Snowy Landscape At Hikifune In Koume 1877 - 1882

Kobayashi Kiyochika made this print, Snowy Landscape at Hikifune in Koume, using woodblocks and ink. The entire process, from carving the blocks to the final printing, required immense skill. Each color in the final image demanded a separate block. If you look closely, you can see the way Kiyochika has used this technique to create depth and atmosphere. Notice how he has captured the feeling of a cold winter's day through subtle gradations of color. The textures of the snow, the water, and the clothing of the figures are all evoked with incredible precision. Woodblock prints like this were relatively inexpensive, due to the division of labor. An artist would make the initial design, but then highly skilled carvers and printers would take over. The commodification of artistic labor meant that more people could afford art in their homes. Kiyochika’s masterful use of the medium reminds us that the most compelling art often arises from a deep understanding of materials, making, and the social context in which objects are made.