Vogeltje in boom met witte bloesem 1892 - 1897

This print, *Vogeltje in boom met witte bloesem*, was made by Matsumura Keibun in Japan, probably in the early 19th century. It’s a woodblock print, made with multiple blocks, each carrying a different color. The key block would have been carved first, establishing the outlines of the composition. Then, additional blocks were used to add layers of color – the soft gray of the tree trunk, the delicate white of the blossoms, and the subtle hues of the bird itself. The paper, thin and absorbent, would have been carefully pressed against each block to transfer the image. It’s a labor-intensive process, requiring both technical skill and artistic sensibility. The result is a beautiful balance of precision and nuance. And that’s what I find so compelling about prints like this – they remind us that art isn’t just about individual expression, but also about collaboration, skill, and the transformation of materials.