Doeken spannen 1795 - 1800

This print by Kitagawa Utamaro was made using woodblocks, a process involving carving an image into wood, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the block's surface. Although woodblock printing was mechanically assisted, the production of these prints relied on the labor of skilled artisans. Looking closely, you can see the distinctive qualities of the woodblock technique: the crisp lines, the flat planes of color, and the subtle texture of the paper. The print depicts two women engaged in stretching cloth, which gives us a glimpse into the labor practices of the time. Utamaro has taken care to show the women using their hands, stretching, and pinning the cloth. The composition and depiction of labor elevates the status of craft, by showing the detailed attention the women give to their work. Paying attention to the materials and processes used to create art enriches our understanding of their cultural and social significance. It blurs the lines between high art and everyday life, highlighting the value of both.