Expectant; The Appearance of a Fireman’s Wife in the Kaei Era 1888

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock print, “Expectant; The Appearance of a Fireman’s Wife in the Kaei Era,” using multiple blocks, each inked with a different color, to build up the final image. Woodblock printing is a labor-intensive process. First, the artist creates a design, then skilled artisans carve it into wood, and finally, printers carefully apply ink and press the block onto paper. The grain of the wood itself influences the final print, adding texture and depth, particularly visible in the woman’s intricate hairstyle and patterned kimono. Consider the social context of this image, firemen held a unique position in the Edo period. They were admired for their bravery, but also known for their association with the lower classes. The choice of woodblock printing, a technique accessible to a broad audience, emphasizes the everyday aspect of this woman's life. Yoshitoshi elevates the ordinary, offering a glimpse into the lives of those often overlooked in traditional fine art.