The Spiral Hall at the Temple of the Five Hundred Arhats c. 1832 - 1838

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, "The Spiral Hall at the Temple of the Five Hundred Arhats," using a technique called *ukiyo-e*. Each color you see required a separate block, meticulously carved from cherry wood. This printmaking process was not just about artistry; it was a business. Artisans were needed for carving, printing, and publishing, creating a division of labor that mirrors early industrial production. Consider the texture of the paper and the flat planes of color achieved through careful layering. The repetitive nature of printmaking allowed for mass production, making art accessible to a wider audience. Hiroshige’s work blurs the lines between fine art and craft, revealing how artistic expression is deeply interwoven with the social and economic structures of its time. This print is more than just a pretty picture; it's a window into a world where art and commerce meet.