Coutesan Hanachō of Iseya House c. early 1770s

This print of a courtesan, attributed to Hanabusa Shigenobu, was made using woodblock printing, a process known as *ukiyo-e*. It was a commercial technique, allowing for mass production of images depicting fashionable life. Observe the flat planes of color, the strong outlines, and the delicate gradations achieved through careful carving and printing. The wood's grain subtly textures the print, giving each impression a unique quality. It was a labor-intensive process, requiring skilled artisans to carve the blocks and meticulously apply the inks. The inks themselves, likely derived from natural pigments, contribute to the print's distinctive color palette and aesthetic. The commercial nature of *ukiyo-e* reflects a burgeoning consumer culture, where images of beauty and leisure were readily available to a broad audience. This print highlights the intersection of artistic skill, commercial enterprise, and social trends in Edo-period Japan. It challenges any rigid hierarchy between art and craft, revealing the complex interplay of materials, techniques, and cultural context.