Pruimenbloesem 1826

This is “Pruimenbloesem,” or “Plum Blossom,” made by Nakamura Hōchū in the early 19th century, using woodblock printmaking. This technique, known as *ukiyo-e*, was a mainstay of Japanese visual culture, and involved carving a design into wood, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. Here, Hōchū evokes the delicate beauty of plum blossoms with carefully delineated forms and subtle gradations of color. The texture of the paper gives a tactile quality to the image, enhancing its organic feel. The *ukiyo-e* tradition was deeply connected to the commercial world, produced in multiples for a wide audience. This contrasts with the unique, handmade status often associated with fine art. Yet, the artistry involved in woodblock printing—the skill of the carver, the precision of the printer, the vision of the artist—should not be overlooked. Thinking about the labor involved in its production allows us to appreciate *ukiyo-e* prints not just as beautiful images, but also as products of a complex and sophisticated craft tradition.