Blauwe winde Possibly 1909

Kamisaka Sekka made this print, ‘Blauwe winde’, using woodblock printing techniques. Ukiyo-e woodblock prints like this one involve a division of labour. The artist creates the design, which is then carved into woodblocks by skilled artisans. Finally, a printer uses these blocks to create the finished image. The process requires meticulous registration to ensure each colour layer aligns perfectly, and a deep understanding of how ink interacts with paper to achieve desired textures and gradients. The beauty of ‘Blauwe winde’ lies not just in its visual appeal, but also in the way its materiality and making processes resonate with Japanese aesthetics. By understanding the labour and skills involved in its production, we can appreciate the print’s full significance, moving beyond conventional distinctions between art, craft and design.