Excited dogs — Inu no kurui 1896

This triptych by Yōshū Chikanobu, titled "Excited Dogs," was likely made in the late 19th century using woodblock printing. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred to a wooden block, often cherry. The artist then carves away the areas that will not be printed, leaving a raised surface. Each color requires a separate block, adding complexity to the process. Ink is applied, and paper is laid on the block, then rubbed to transfer the image. As you can see here, these colors range from vibrant reds and greens to pastels, all achieved through the painstaking layering of pigment. The crisp lines and flat planes of color are a hallmark of the technique, which demands precision and control. The artist’s labor is evident in the detailed rendering of textiles, the delicate features of the women, and the dynamic energy of the dogs. Paying close attention to these materials and processes, we gain insight into the aesthetic values and cultural context of the artwork, moving beyond a simple appreciation of its visual appeal.