Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom at Goten-yama c. 1840 - 1842

Utagawa Hiroshige made this print of cherry blossoms at Goten-yama using woodblock printing. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry. A separate block is needed for each color, requiring tremendous precision. Look closely and you will see the evenness of the color, and the crispness of the lines. This effect is achieved by rubbing the paper onto the inked block with a tool called a baren. The baren is made with a coil of rope wrapped in a bamboo sheath. Think of the labor involved in the traditional method, with teams of skilled artisans dedicated to carving the woodblocks and printing the final image. The widespread distribution of these prints reflects the rise of a consumer culture in Japan. Hiroshige cleverly captured the beauty of nature and the joys of leisure. This artwork invites us to appreciate the artistry and the cultural context of woodblock printing.