Two monkeys with butterfly 1900 - 1945

Ohara Koson made this print of two monkeys with a butterfly using woodblock printing. This is a relief printing process, where the areas not to be inked are carved away, leaving the design raised on the block. The image speaks to the inherent qualities of woodblock printing - the flat planes of color, the delicate lines defining the monkey's fur, and the subtle gradations achieved through careful inking. Koson was part of the Shin-Hanga movement, which revitalized traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing in the early 20th century. This involved a division of labor, where an artist would create the design, and then skilled woodworkers and printers would be responsible for the cutting and printing process. The production process speaks to broader social issues of labor and skill. Understanding the materials, the labor involved, and the cultural context allows us to appreciate the print not just as an image, but as a product of human ingenuity and collaboration.