Zee der kunsten - nummer tien Possibly 1896

This is Zee der kunsten - nummer tien, a woodblock print made by Yamada Naosaburo. The materiality of this print is key to its aesthetic. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, is a labor-intensive process. A design is first drawn, then painstakingly carved into a block of wood, typically cherry. Ink is applied, and then paper is carefully pressed onto the block to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precise registration. Look closely, and you'll see the subtle textures and variations in the ink, signs of the hand-craft that went into its making. The overlapping colors create depth and vibrancy, while the lines remain crisp. This wasn't just an artistic endeavor; it was a commercial one. *Ukiyo-e* prints were affordable art for the masses, produced in workshops by skilled artisans. Appreciating the level of craft involved gives us insight into the social context of its creation, and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.