(Plum blossoms) c. 19th century

This print of plum blossoms was created by Yabu Chōsui sometime in the mid-19th century, using woodblock printing. It is an ancient technique, used for centuries across East Asia, and involves carving an image into wood, inking it, and then pressing paper to transfer the image. What’s fascinating about this work is the relationship between the labor of its making, and the natural subject matter. The plum blossom is a symbol of resilience and renewal, a flower that blooms even in the cold of winter. The act of carving the woodblock, a slow, careful, meditative practice, mirrors this tenacity. Each line, each curve of the branch and petal, required focused skill. This print would have been relatively inexpensive to produce, requiring simple materials, and was likely accessible to a wide audience. By considering the methods and materials of its making, we can appreciate the significance of “Plum Blossoms” beyond its aesthetic beauty. It reflects values such as skill, tradition, and accessibility, blurring the lines between art, craft, and everyday life.