Acht gezichten op Kanazawa 1845 - 1850

This print, titled "Acht gezichten op Kanazawa", was made by Utagawa Hiroshige using woodblock printing, a quintessential technique of the Edo period in Japan. The image is composed through a meticulous carving process, where each color requires a separate block. Note how the subtle gradations of color create depth and atmosphere. This was achieved by applying varying pressure to the baren, a flat, round pad used to transfer ink to paper. The process demanded intense collaboration between the artist, block cutter, and printer. Consider the implications of this division of labor, and the distribution of Hiroshige’s designs through the market. Woodblock prints democratized art, making it accessible to a wide audience, yet these artworks are also the product of industrial manufacture, reliant on the coordinated effort of many hands. By understanding the labor involved, and the techniques used to create this print, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural and social significance, beyond its aesthetic appeal.