Act IX c. 1843 - 1846

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, Act IX, in Japan using multiple blocks of carved wood, ink, and paper. The process begins with a drawing, then artisans carve a separate block for each color, inking and pressing the paper onto the blocks to build up the final image. Observe the texture imparted by the wood grain, visible in the flat planes of color. The precise carving creates sharp lines to define forms, while the layering of colors adds depth and atmosphere. Notice the bold outlines and flat, unmodulated color, typical of ukiyo-e prints. The technique requires meticulous labor, skilled hands carefully transferring the design onto the wood, cutting away the negative spaces, and aligning the blocks for printing. The number of impressions that could be pulled from a single woodblock was limited, so many identical prints could be made, allowing for wider distribution and consumption. Understanding the materiality and labor involved in creating this print enriches our appreciation of its aesthetic qualities and its role as a commodity in Edo-period Japan. By recognizing the artistry inherent in craft processes, we challenge conventional distinctions between art and commerce.