De pleisterplaats Ishibe 1835 - 1845

This print of "De pleisterplaats Ishibe" was created by Utagawa Kunisada, who lived from 1786 to 1865. It is made using woodblock printing, a meticulous process where each color is applied from a separate carved block. Notice the distinct lines and flat planes of color. The wood's grain doesn't dominate, but its inherent qualities do affect the final image. Each impression requires careful registration, skilled hand-printing, and represents considerable labor. Kunisada was a leading printmaker in Japan, catering to a burgeoning merchant class with an appetite for images of kabuki actors and scenes from daily life. This print, with its depiction of intimate encounters, speaks to a broader culture of leisure and consumption. Woodblock prints were relatively affordable, allowing for the circulation of images and ideas among a wide audience. Consider the many hands involved in its creation, from the artist who designed the image to the carvers and printers who brought it to life. Ultimately, this artwork challenges traditional notions of fine art by revealing the artistry inherent in craft and the social context embedded within the print.