92. Mokuboji Temple and Vegetable Fields on Uchigawa Inlet 1857

This print of Mokuboji Temple and Vegetable Fields on the Uchigawa Inlet was produced by Utagawa Hiroshige, using woodblock printing, a process intimately bound to the culture and economy of its time. Woodblock printing is more than just technique, it's a meticulous collaboration. The artist's original design was transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry, by skilled artisans. Each color required a separate block, demanding precise carving and registration. The application of ink, often using water-based pigments, and the pressing of paper onto the block, were all carefully orchestrated. The texture of the paper, the grain of the wood, and the consistency of the ink all contribute to the print's aesthetic. This wasn't just art; it was a commercial enterprise, supplying a growing demand for images of landscapes and city life. The labor-intensive nature of the process reflects a society where craftsmanship was highly valued, yet increasingly subject to the pressures of production and consumption. So, next time you look at a woodblock print, think about the many hands that brought it into being, and the world of work that made it possible.