Women on a Pleasure Boat c. 1790

Chōbunsai Eishi created this woodblock print of women on a pleasure boat. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a woodblock, and carved. Each color requires a separate block, and a highly skilled printer ensures perfect registration. The visual effect depends on the wood’s grain and absorbency, lending a subtle texture to the flat planes of color. Notice how the black of the boat’s hull dominates the composition, contrasting with the delicate floral patterns of the women’s kimonos. The texture of the paper is visible in their pale skin. Woodblock printing was a commercial enterprise, making art accessible to a broad audience. It relied on a division of labor, with artists, carvers, and printers each contributing their expertise. This print offers a glimpse into the floating world of Edo-period Japan, where leisure and artistry were intertwined, but it is important to remember it was produced within a sophisticated economic system. By considering the materials, labor, and social context of this print, we gain a deeper appreciation for its artistic and cultural significance.