Zee der kunsten - nummer acht Possibly 1896

This print, “Zee der kunsten - nummer acht,” was made by Yamada Naosaburo, though the date of production is unknown. It's a woodblock print, a technique that demands patience, precision and no small amount of physical labor. First, the design would have been drawn onto thin paper, then glued to a block of wood, usually cherry. Using specialized carving tools, the artist would cut away the negative space, leaving the design raised. Ink was then applied to the block, and paper laid on top. By rubbing the back of the paper, the image was transferred. This process would be repeated for each color, requiring separate blocks and careful registration. Consider the level of hand-eye coordination required to produce such refined lines and subtle gradations of color. Woodblock printing was a painstaking, collaborative process, often involving designers, carvers, printers, and publishers. In its time, it made art more accessible and affordable, part of a growing consumer culture. It is a testament to both the artistry of Naosaburo and the wider networks of labor that supported its production.