A Medicine Case Upon a Fan 1798

Katsushika Hokusai created this print of a medicine case upon a fan, using woodblock printing, a quintessential technique in Japanese art. The way the image is made profoundly influences its appearance. Hokusai would have begun by meticulously carving the design into a block of wood, inking the surface, and then pressing paper onto it to transfer the image. The crisp lines and flat planes of color are a direct result of this process. The subtle gradations of tone suggest the texture of paper and the solidity of the objects depicted. Woodblock printing, deeply rooted in both craft and fine art, demanded skilled artisans who could translate an artist's vision into a repeatable image. In Japan, this technique played a vital role in disseminating information and art to a broad audience, reflecting a society where artistry and craftsmanship were highly valued. Appreciating the amount of labor that went into the production of this artwork challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft.