Memorial Portrait of the Actor Bando Shuka I 1855

This woodblock print, a memorial portrait of the actor Bando Shuka I, was created in Japan in 1855 by an anonymous artist. The visual effect relies on the inherent qualities of the wood: its grain, its capacity to be carved with precision, and the way it absorbs ink to create flat planes of color. Each color you see required a separate block, meticulously carved and then printed in precise registration. This printmaking process, known as Ukiyo-e, involved a division of labor between the artist, the block carver, and the printer. It's important to recognize that such images were produced on a commercial scale, intended for a wide audience. The labor-intensive nature of woodblock printing, from forestry through distribution, highlights the integration of craft, aesthetics, and the market in Japanese society. The commercial success of Ukiyo-e contributed to the growth of a vibrant urban culture during the Edo period. Considering the materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the cultural and social significance of this memorial portrait.