Plum by the Eaves 1909 - 1910

Kamisaka Sekka made this print, "Plum by the Eaves," using woodblocks and ink. It's a great example of *ukiyo-e*, or "pictures of the floating world." These prints weren't just paintings, they were a product of a sophisticated workshop system. An artist would create the initial design, then skilled block cutters would carve a separate block for each color. Printers, also highly trained, would then apply the inks and press the blocks onto paper in precise registration. The flat planes of color, the flowing lines, and the subtle gradations of tone are all testament to the artistry and craft involved. Look closely and you'll notice the wood grain adding texture and depth. These prints were relatively affordable and widely distributed, and so they blurred the boundaries between art and craft, high and low culture. This reflected the new forms of production and consumption in Japanese society at the time.