Vrouw bij picknickset 1823

Totoya Hokkei created this woodblock print depicting a woman by a picnic set, sometime between 1790 and 1850. Woodblock printing is an ingenious process. The artist first carves an image into a block of wood, then applies ink to the raised surface. This block is then pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating a print. For multi-colored prints, a separate block is carved for each color. The material qualities of wood influence the final image, with its inherent grain adding texture. The sharpness of the carved lines defines the details, and the careful registration of multiple blocks gives depth and vibrancy to the colors. This image involved a considerable amount of skilled labor, from carving to printing. Prints like this were relatively affordable, and their popularity reflects a growing consumer culture in Japan at the time. Ultimately, the value of woodblock prints lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in their reflection of the social and economic conditions of their production.