Flower Arranging 1820

Keisai Eisen created this print, Flower Arranging, in nineteenth-century Japan using woodblock printing. Woodblock printing is a relief process, meaning that the image is carved into the block, leaving raised areas that take the ink. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to thin paper. The block carver uses knives and chisels to cut away the wood, a painstaking job. Different blocks are used for each colour, requiring careful registration. The flowers here and their containers are depicted with careful attention. The woven textures of the baskets contrast with the smooth surfaces of the plants, while the geometric patterns on the small table add further visual interest. This arrangement creates a dynamic visual experience. Thinking about the labor involved in the production of woodblock prints, we appreciate the skill and time required to create this image. It is important to consider the work, and the traditions of making in understanding the full meaning of the artwork.