Japanse kwikstaart 1893 - 1894

This print, titled "Japanse kwikstaart," was made by Kōno Bairei in Japan using woodblock printing. Woodblock printing is an ancient craft, requiring immense skill and labor. The artist would first create a design, which was then meticulously transferred to a block of wood, usually cherry. Specialist carvers would then use sharp tools to cut away the areas that would not be inked, leaving the design raised. Different blocks were needed for each color, demanding precise registration. The prints were made by inking the block and pressing paper against it, often using a tool called a baren. The result is a flat image with a delicate texture, with each print carrying the imprint of the maker’s hand. Prints like this one speak to the rich intersection of craft and fine art. They remind us that artistic expression is deeply intertwined with the skillful manipulation of materials, and the cultural traditions that shape their use.