Parody of the Third Princess and Kashiwagi: “Chapter 50: A Hut in the Eastern Provinces” 1858

This diptych, "Parody of the Third Princess and Kashiwagi: 'Chapter 50: A Hut in the Eastern Provinces'" was created by Utagawa Kunisada using woodblock printing, a process that demanded collaboration between the artist, the block carver, and the printer. The distinct character of the artwork stems from this intricate process. Each color required a separate block, meticulously carved and aligned. The application of pressure and the absorption of ink into the paper created the unique texture, weight, and form we see here. This print, like many from the Edo period, speaks to the rise of a consumer culture where popular imagery was more widely accessible. Prints such as these were not simply the product of one artist's hand, but relied on a whole workshop ecosystem. Considering the labor and the techniques involved allows us to appreciate these works not just as art, but as artifacts deeply entwined with the social and economic conditions of their time. This recognition allows us to challenge the traditional separation of fine art and craft, revealing the rich complexity of works such as these.