Sunrise with Fisherman in Boat 1795

Kubo Shunman created this print, Sunrise with Fisherman in Boat, using woodblock printing, a technique known as ukiyo-e, that flourished in Japan during the Edo period. The process involved carving a design into a wooden block, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. What makes ukiyo-e prints so compelling is how the character of the wood itself, combined with the skill of the carver, dictates the final image. Consider the fine lines used to depict the water and the distant landscape, versus the more solid blocks of color that define the sunrise, and the fisherman’s boat. The texture of the paper also plays a role, subtly influencing the overall impression of the scene. Ukiyo-e prints were not just art objects; they were products of a sophisticated system of labor, involving artists, block carvers, printers, and publishers. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this print, we can appreciate the full meaning of this artwork, one that challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.