Kabuki Actor Nakayama Tomisaburō I as the Cowherd Ofude in Otokoyama Oedo No Ishizue 1794

This print by Tōshūsai Sharaku is a woodblock print, a process known as *ukiyo-e*, which translates to ‘pictures of the floating world’. To create this image, the artist first meticulously carved the design into a block of wood, a task requiring immense skill and precision. Ink was then applied to the block, and paper carefully pressed onto its surface to transfer the image. Note the exquisite level of detail in the patterns of the actor's robes. Each line and color required a separate block, making the production process highly complex and labor-intensive. *Ukiyo-e* prints were not considered ‘high art’ at the time; instead, they were produced on a large scale for a broad audience. This print's significance lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its reflection of the social dynamics of its time. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate the artistry and cultural context embedded within this work.