Actor Matsumoto Kōshirō V as Genkai no Nadaemon c. 1815

This print of the actor Matsumoto Kōshirō as Genkai no Nadaemon, was made in Japan by Utagawa Kunisada, using woodblock printmaking. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, was a process of painstaking labor. A design was first drawn, then transferred to a block of wood. Skilled artisans would carve the block, and finally, printers applied ink to create the image. Each color required a separate block, demanding precise alignment. This print is more than just an image; it’s a record of collaborative work. Look closely and you can see the texture of the paper. Notice how the bold lines define the actor’s figure, while subtle gradations create depth in his robe. The material of the print – the paper, ink, and wood – all contribute to the artwork's impact. Beyond aesthetics, *ukiyo-e* prints were a product of their time, reflecting the rise of a merchant class and popular culture in Edo-period Japan. Consider the amount of work involved in the production process. This brings us to consider the social context in which the work was made. Appreciating this history challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of this image.