Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 2: Young Woman with a Birdcage 1810s

Ryūgetsusai Shinkō made this woodblock print of a young woman holding a birdcage sometime between 1810 and 1819. This artwork is an example of ukiyo-e, a traditional Japanese printmaking technique that flourished during the Edo period. A design is drawn on paper, then transferred to a wooden block, usually cherry. The image is then carefully carved into the wood, leaving raised areas to hold the ink. Then, using a baren, a flat, padded disk, the ink is transferred to paper. The flat, graphic style emphasizes line and color, and the woman’s robe is decorated with carefully rendered floral patterns. This print belongs to a larger series, hinting at a system of labor and distribution. Ukiyo-e prints were commercial products, produced by teams of artisans for a growing urban audience. The detailed carving and printing process required significant skill and coordination, reflecting the craftsmanship and industry of the time. By appreciating the materials and processes used in creating ukiyo-e, we can gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.