Courtisane uit het Hirai Izumiya huis c. 1815

Yanagawa Shigenobu created this print of a courtesan from the Hirai Izumiya house using woodblock printing, a technique deeply embedded in Japanese history. It’s an image produced not with traditional art materials like paints or canvas, but through a meticulous carving process on wood. Notice how the lines define the subject matter and capture the intricate patterns of the courtesan’s garments. The character of the print lies in the labor-intensive carving process, where each color requires a separate block. These blocks would have been made by specialized carvers, underscoring the collaboration inherent in this mode of production. The flat, graphic quality is not a limitation, but rather a defining aesthetic, a testament to the artistry involved in the making. Prints like these were often produced for mass consumption, reflecting a culture where art and commerce were intertwined. So next time, consider how art, materials and context can challenge our traditional assumptions.