The Aoi Chapter from "The Tale of Genji" (Genji Aoi), from a series of Genji parodies c. 1710

This print, "The Aoi Chapter from 'The Tale of Genji,'" was made by Okumura Masanobu using woodblock printing, a technique that's been central to Japanese art for centuries. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Look closely, and you will notice the distinct linear quality which lends itself to reproducing dynamic scenes with flat expanses of color. Here, the artist would have needed multiple blocks to achieve the different tones and details, each requiring careful alignment to ensure the final image came together accurately. While Masanobu was a celebrated artist, it’s important to remember that *ukiyo-e* prints like this one were often collaborative efforts. Skilled block carvers and printers played a crucial role in bringing the artist's vision to life. These prints were produced for a growing urban audience during the Edo period, reflecting the rise of a merchant class with disposable income and a taste for popular culture. So, while they are now seen as high art, they were originally intended as affordable and accessible entertainment for a wide audience. Appreciating the materiality and production of this work helps us understand its original social context, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and commerce.