Print 1800 - 1865

This print was made by Utagawa Kunisada in Japan, using woodblock printing. It's a process where an image is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the intricate lines and the flat, vibrant colors. These qualities are direct results of the woodblock technique. The artist would have needed a skilled hand and eye to carve the design. The materiality of the wood itself lends a unique texture to the print. Consider the social context here. Woodblock printing was a popular and relatively affordable medium in Japan, making art accessible to a wider audience beyond the elite. Prints like this one offer us a glimpse into everyday life, and the visual culture of the time. Paying attention to the materials and processes used in art-making helps us appreciate the full story behind the image, and challenges any divide between 'high' and 'low' art.