Two Geisha 1742 - 1815

Torii Kiyonaga's "Two Geisha" print was made in 18th century Japan using woodblock printing, a process where each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved and registered. The linear quality of the print— seen in the striped robes and the paper lantern—arises directly from the nature of the woodblock. Notice the subtle gradations of tone in the background. These demanded incredible skill and patience from the printer, who would have carefully applied pressure to the block to achieve this effect. The very act of carving and printing these blocks would have been a highly collaborative process involving artists, carvers, and printers. These prints were not considered "high art" at the time, but rather were produced for a wider audience, reflecting the growing urban culture and economy of the Edo period. Appreciating the skill involved in this print challenges any division between art, craft, and commerce.