Vergelijkingen tussen schoonheden en bloemen 1887 - 1896

Ogata Gekko made this woodblock print, titled "Vergelijkingen tussen schoonheden en bloemen," at the turn of the 20th century. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred to a block of wood, usually cherry. Using specialized carving tools, the key block is created, which defines the outlines of the image. Then, separate blocks are carved for each color. The paper is dampened, and each block is printed in succession, requiring careful registration to align the colors. Look closely, and you can see the beauty of the flat color planes, the delicate key lines, and the sensitive gradations achieved through careful inking and printing. The very nature of the medium requires collaboration between the artist, carver, and printer, each bringing unique skills to the process. This print underscores how the making process is integral to the overall effect of the image, demonstrating that even a seemingly straightforward image can be a testament to the value of skilled labor and artistic vision.