Osagawa Tsuneyo II as Okinu, wife of Chōemon 1794

This print of Osagawa Tsuneyo II as Okinu, wife of Chōemon, was created by Tōshūsai Sharaku, most likely in 1794, using woodblock printing. The making of Ukiyo-e prints like this one involved multiple artisans. First, the artist would create a design. Then, a block cutter would carve the image into woodblocks, using a variety of specialized tools. Finally, a printer would apply ink to the blocks and transfer the image to paper. Each color required a separate block, demanding precise registration. The social significance lies in the way Ukiyo-e prints brought images of popular culture to a wider audience. Kabuki actors like Osagawa Tsuneyo II were celebrities, and these prints allowed fans to own a piece of that world. The process, while demanding skill, was relatively inexpensive, making these artworks accessible to the rising merchant class. Considering materials, making, and context reveals the democratization of art inherent in this piece. It challenges distinctions between high art and craft, placing value on popular culture and the skilled labor involved in its production.