Nakamura Fukusuke as Ohan 1928

Natori Shunsen created this woodblock print of Nakamura Fukusuke, a Kabuki actor, sometime in the 20th century. Woodblock printing is a labor-intensive process, requiring highly skilled artisans. First, the artist creates a design, which is then transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry. A carver then meticulously cuts away the areas that will not be inked, leaving a raised surface. The printer applies ink to the block and presses paper onto it, transferring the image. For multi-color prints like this one, a separate block is needed for each color. Look closely, and you can see the precise registration of each block. The flat planes of color and strong outlines are characteristic of this technique. Woodblock prints were relatively affordable, making them accessible to a wide audience. Appreciating the artistry and labor involved in their production helps us to understand their cultural significance, and to move beyond traditional hierarchies of art and craft.