Looking thirsty - The Appearance of a Town Geisha, a Bargirl in the Ansei Era 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock print during the Ansei Era. The process begins with a drawing, then a carver meticulously etches the image onto cherry wood blocks, one for each color. You can see the flat, graphic style that's characteristic of this demanding process. Consider how the lines define form and the subtle gradations of color create depth, particularly in the woman's kimono. Woodblock printing was not just a technique but a whole social system, involving artists, block cutters, printers, and publishers. The print’s success depended on their collaborative labor. These prints were commercial objects, reflecting the tastes and trends of their time, like fashion. Yoshitoshi elevated the medium through his draftsmanship and eye for capturing modern life. By appreciating the materials, labor, and social context behind this print, we gain a deeper understanding of its artistic and cultural significance. This challenges the traditional separation of craft from the so-called “high arts”.