Kusonoki Tatewaki Masatsura (Warrior From the Book: Taiheiki) 1830 - 1850

This print, Warrior from the Book: Taiheiki, was made by Yashima Gakutei in Japan, using woodblock printing. Woodblock printing demanded the coordinated labor of designers, carvers, printers, and publishers. The key block, carrying the image's outlines, was made first. Then came additional blocks for each color, with areas carefully removed to leave only the desired parts raised. Applying pigments to these surfaces, the printer would then transfer the image to paper. The texture of the paper, the subtle variations in ink density, and the alignment of different color blocks, all contribute to the print's aesthetic. These techniques, rooted in a rich history of craftsmanship, are far removed from the slick, mass-produced imagery we often see today. Looking closely, we realize that this image embodies a whole system of labor, politics, and consumption, where the artist acts as a linchpin. Ultimately, understanding the material processes involved allows us to look past traditional notions of fine art and appreciate the work's full cultural significance.