Goyu Possibly 1855

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print, called Goyu, in Japan during the 19th century. Woodblock prints like this one begin with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred onto a block of wood, usually cherry. Using specialized carving tools, the printmaker cuts away the areas that will not hold ink, leaving a raised surface. Ink is then applied to this surface, and paper is pressed onto it to create the print. For multicolored prints like Goyu, a separate block is required for each color, demanding meticulous registration to align the colors correctly. Consider how the texture of the wood grain might subtly influence the image, adding depth to the flat plane. The choice of colors, from the soft blues of the water to the vibrant patterns of the actors’ robes, contributes to the overall mood and visual impact. The production of such prints involved many hands: the artist, the wood carver, and the printer, all contributing their skills to the final artwork. Paying attention to these materials, processes, and the collaborative nature of its making, invites us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in producing this print, challenging any assumptions about the hierarchy of art forms.