Woman Viewing Cherry Blossoms c. 19th century

This print, *Woman Viewing Cherry Blossoms*, was made by Utagawa Hiroshige in Japan, using woodblock printing, a quintessential technique in Japanese art. The process involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the block. The resulting image has a distinctive graphic quality, with clean lines and flat areas of color. Look closely, and you'll see how the wood’s grain subtly textures the printed areas. This adds depth to the overall aesthetic. The labor-intensive nature of woodblock printing meant that prints like these were relatively affordable, making art accessible to a broader audience. This print captures a fleeting moment of beauty, a woman enjoying the ephemeral cherry blossoms. Yet, it also reflects the commercial system that supported its creation. It is a reminder that even the most delicate artworks are born from a network of materials, labor, and trade.