Seibei vermoord door persoon met witte hoofddoek 1857

This dramatic image of Seibei’s murder was created by Utagawa Kunisada using woodblock printmaking techniques. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred onto a block of wood, usually cherry. The artist carves away the areas that will not be inked, leaving a raised surface. Consider the labor involved in producing this multi-colored print. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision and skill. Notice how the flat planes of color give depth and dimension to the scene. The checkered pattern of the murderer’s robe, the bamboo in the background, and the intricate designs on the victim's clothing, all demonstrate the artistry required to create these prints. Woodblock prints like this one were not just art objects, they were also commercial products, made in multiples and distributed widely. They reflect the rising merchant class and popular culture of the Edo period, and were accessible to a broad audience. Appreciating the artistry involved in their production allows us to understand their cultural significance, and challenges the traditional distinction between art and craft.