Two carp in a cascade 

This print was made by Katsushika Hokusai using woodblock printing, a quintessential technique in Japanese art. It involves carving a design into a wooden block, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper. The flat, graphic nature of the image, with its bold lines and blocks of color, are characteristic of this method. Notice how Hokusai uses the woodblock process to depict the carp and the cascading water. The scales of the fish are created by meticulously carving tiny details, while the water is rendered with long, flowing lines that emphasize its movement and force. The texture of the wood itself becomes part of the artwork, adding depth and visual interest. Woodblock printing, though capable of mass production, requires highly skilled labor. Understanding how Hokusai used the materials and techniques of woodblock printing helps us appreciate not just the visual beauty of the print, but also the cultural and social context in which it was made. The processes are as important as the final image.