Horse, from the series "Twelve Hours of the Floating World (Ukiyo juni shi)" c. 1780 - 1801

This print of a horse, from the series "Twelve Hours of the Floating World," was made by Katsukawa Shunchō in the late 18th century. It's a woodblock print, a process that involves carving an image into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the block. The lines are clean, but the real marvel is the layering of colors, achieved through multiple blocks, each inked with a different hue. Look closely, and you can see how each color interacts with the others. This print offers a glimpse into the world of Ukiyo-e, which translates to 'floating world'. These images depicted everyday life, landscapes, and the entertainment districts. Woodblock printing allowed for mass production, making art accessible to a wider audience. The labor involved in this process—the carving, inking, and printing—speaks to a sophisticated urban culture that valued craftsmanship and the depiction of ephemeral beauty. It bridges the gap between art, commerce, and everyday life.