De verrekijker 1887 - 1896

Ogata Gekko’s ‘De verrekijker’ was made in Japan, using woodblock printing, a complex process that dates back centuries. The image is created by carving a series of woodblocks, one for each color, inking them, and then pressing them onto paper. What makes this work so compelling is precisely the way its appearance is bound up with its means of production. The flat planes of color, the crisp outlines, and the subtle variations in tone, all speak to the skill of the printer and the inherent qualities of the wood. Woodblock printing was not only a sophisticated artistic technique, but also a significant industry in Japan, supporting the livelihoods of designers, carvers, printers, and publishers. It was a highly collaborative process, with each artisan contributing their expertise to the final product. Looking at this print, it is important to appreciate not just the image itself, but also the labor, politics, and consumption involved in its making. This appreciation allows us to challenge conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.