Print 1800 - 1865

This print was made by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in Japan using woodblock printing, a technique that was widespread at the time. Look closely, and you’ll see the effect of this process. The image is built up through distinct planes of color, creating flat shapes. These blocks of color are achieved by carving a separate woodblock for each one. The labor involved in producing a multi-colored print like this was substantial. It required a skilled designer, carvers, and printers, each contributing to the final image. Woodblock printing in Japan was tied to commercial culture, as these prints were relatively inexpensive and available to a wide audience. Although Utagawa was an accomplished artist, he worked within a system of production that was more like a factory than a traditional art studio. By examining the materials and processes used, we can appreciate the artistic skill involved and the economic context in which it was produced.