The Hour of the Dragon 

Kitagawa Utamaro made "The Hour of the Dragon" using woodblock printing, a process deeply embedded in Japanese craft traditions. The material qualities of the print—its delicate paper, the precise lines carved into wood, and the subtle layering of colors—speak to a sophisticated understanding of craft and image production. Utamaro's skill in carving the woodblocks allowed for detailed representations of the courtesan's elaborate kimono, and her assistant's demure posture. Woodblock printing in Utamaro's time was both a commercial and artistic endeavor. This print reflects a complex interplay between the artist's vision, the artisan's skill, and the market's demand. This mode of production allowed for wider distribution, connecting craftsmanship to broader social and economic contexts. The artwork's meaning is enhanced by understanding the labor and artistry involved in its creation, challenging our conventional notions of art and craft.