Tales of Ise with Annotations (Ise Monogatari tōsho shō) 1679

These pages from “Tales of Ise with Annotations” were created by Hishikawa Moronobu in the late 17th century, using woodblock printing. This was not just a reproductive technique, but a creative act in its own right. Consider the materiality of the paper, thin and fibrous, allowing ink to bleed slightly, softening the lines. The black ink itself, likely derived from soot, provides stark contrast, defining forms with precision. The process begins with a drawing, which is then meticulously transferred to a woodblock, carved by skilled artisans. Ink is applied, and the image is pressed onto the paper. Woodblock printing democratized image production, making art accessible to a wider audience. While Moronobu's name is attached to the work, it reflects a collective effort, involving designers, carvers, and printers, each contributing their expertise. By looking at this print, we gain insight into the cultural and social context of its creation, acknowledging the labor and skill involved in its production.