Ferry Port at Rokugō c. early 1830s

Ryūryūkyo Shinsai created this print of the Ferry Port at Rokugō with ink and color on paper. It’s a woodblock print, meaning that the image was carved in relief, and then printed, one color at a time. The materiality of woodblock prints significantly influenced their appearance. The grain of the wood, the sharpness of the carving tools, and the viscosity of the ink all contribute to the final image. The process involves specialized techniques and tools, connecting it to histories of both fine art and craft. In the Edo period, the demand for prints like this one drove a highly organized system of production. Each print involved the labor of designers, carvers, printers, and publishers, reflecting a complex social and economic context. Understanding this print requires attention to materials, making, and the broader context of production. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, emphasizing the value of artistic creation beyond conventional hierarchies.