Three Coutesans of the Ōgiya House and Their Attendants c. late 18th century

This print, by Katsukawa Shunchō, shows three courtesans of the Ōgiya house with their attendants. It was made with woodblock printing, a process known as *ukiyo-e*. Look closely, and you’ll see the material quality of the paper. The black outlines emphasize the chromatic brilliance of the colors, and the flat blocks of color lend a graphic quality. The image was created through careful carving into wood, and the pressure of the printing process has left its mark. The materiality is particularly powerful when you consider the division of labor involved. A designer created the original image, which was then expertly carved by woodblock cutters. The final print was produced by printers, who applied ink to the blocks and pressed them onto paper. The image has a distinctly urban feel. These prints were, in effect, a form of advertising for the pleasure district of Edo. Shunchō’s image is the result of many hands, minds, and specialized skills. Appreciating the techniques used to create this print, the division of labor, and the social context, allows us to deepen our understanding and challenge the boundaries of art history.