Kōshirō in the role of Mitsuhide 1915

Yamamura Toyonari created this woodblock print of Kōshirō, an actor, around the early 20th century. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, is a painstaking craft that involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block, meaning registration is key. Look closely at the solid colors in this print. Notice the subtle variations in tone and texture, the slight imperfections, and how the ink sits on the paper. This craft has a long history in Japan and was often used for commercial purposes, like advertising and prints of actors. This print gives us insight into the actor's character and likeness, but also acknowledges the many hours of labor involved in its production. It’s a good reminder that the distinction between art and craft can be less useful than an appreciation for the skill involved.