View of Fuji from the Coast of Kiyomigata 1896

This is Kobayashi Kiyochika's "View of Fuji from the Coast of Kiyomigata," a woodblock print, made with multiple blocks to build up the composition, each inked with a different color. With its flowing lines and subtle gradations of tone, the image feels effortlessly made, but appearances can be deceiving. Woodblock printing is a painstaking process that demands immense skill, and a close collaboration between artist, block carver, and printer. The final print relies upon the coordination of multiple hands. Kiyochika himself had a background in traditional Japanese painting, but his prints catered to a mass market, produced in large numbers for wide distribution. You can really feel the weight of that history in the final image, which is rich with cultural significance. The iconic Mount Fuji in the background, contrasted with the coastal scene in the foreground, provides a sense of depth and perspective that draws the viewer into the scene. The labor-intensive nature of the woodblock printing process is a reminder of the value of craftsmanship and attention to detail, bridging the gap between art and craft.