Actors Ichikawa Danzō VI Possibly 1860 - 1869

This color woodblock print, depicting the actor Ichikawa Danzō VI, was made by Utagawa Kunisada. The process of creating woodblock prints like this one was labor-intensive, involving multiple artisans. First, the artist would create a design. This was then transferred to a woodblock, which was carved by a block cutter. Each color required a separate block, and the printer had to carefully align the paper to each block to create the final image. In this print, we can see the distinct lines and flat planes of color that are characteristic of woodblock printing. The texture of the wood grain is also visible in some areas, adding to the print's visual interest. The production of these prints was tied to a burgeoning commercial culture. They were relatively inexpensive, making them accessible to a wide audience. The images of popular actors and scenes from plays catered to the tastes of the urban population, reflecting the growing importance of leisure and entertainment in Japanese society. Woodblock prints like this one blur the lines between art and craft, highlighting the skill and labor involved in their creation.