Manual on Arboriculture (Kinsei jufu 金生樹譜) Possibly 1833 - 1836

This is a page from *Manual on Arboriculture (Kinsei jufu)*, made in Japan by Chōseisha Aruji, using woodblock printing, a technique that's been around for centuries. Just think about the process here: the designs were first meticulously carved into blocks of wood. Then, the blocks were inked and pressed onto paper, one color at a time. The choice of wood, the sharpness of the carving tools, the consistency of the ink, and the pressure applied during printing all influence the final look. The lines, the textures, even the slight imperfections – they all tell a story of skilled labor. The materials and methods used aren't just about aesthetics; they speak to a culture of craftsmanship, where knowledge and skills are passed down through generations. Woodblock printing was also a key technology for disseminating information, contributing to a culture of wider access and greater literacy. So, in the end, this book is not just about how to grow plants, it is about how craft helps a society grow.