The Seacoast at Kubota in Awa Province Possibly 1858

This is "The Seacoast at Kubota in Awa Province," a woodblock print created by Utagawa Hiroshige. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, was a highly collaborative process. Artists like Hiroshige designed the image, but specialized carvers then transferred the design to woodblocks, and printers applied ink and pressed the paper to create the final print. The linear qualities and flat, vibrant colors are a direct result of this process. The key block, carved first, defined the outlines and structure, while additional blocks added layers of color. Notice how the grain of the wood isn't visible. That's because the carvers used very dense, fine-grained wood. Woodblock prints were a popular art form in Japan. Their relatively low cost and ease of production allowed for wide distribution. By focusing on the materials and processes behind "The Seacoast at Kubota," we recognize the vital role of artisans and understand how production methods shape the aesthetic and cultural value we place on art.