The Eighth Morita Kanya in the Role of Oboshi Yuranosuke 1787

This print shows actor Morita Kanya VIII as Oboshi Yuranosuke, made by Katsukawa Shun'ei using woodblock printing, a quintessential technique of the Edo period in Japan. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e,* was a highly collaborative process. Artists like Shun'ei designed the image, which was then carved into woodblocks by skilled artisans. Finally, printers applied ink to the blocks and transferred the image to paper, layer by layer. The distinct lines, flat colors, and subtle gradations you see here are testaments to the precision and skill involved. Each color required a separate block, making registration crucial. *Ukiyo-e* prints like this one weren't just beautiful images; they were also a form of popular culture. They were relatively affordable, thanks to the efficiency of woodblock printing, and were widely circulated among the merchant class. *Ukiyo-e* prints blurred the lines between art, craft, and commerce. The careful carving, the selection of colors, and the overall composition contribute to the print's impact. By recognizing the materials, techniques, and cultural context, we gain a much richer understanding of its meaning and significance.