Cherry Blossoms and Yamabuki Flowers 19th century

Kubo Shunman created this print, "Cherry Blossoms and Yamabuki Flowers", using woodblock printing—a process that's as significant as the final image itself. The colors, textures, and forms you see are all products of the material reality of wood. Each color in the print required a separate block, meticulously carved by skilled artisans, before being printed in precise registration. It's a labor-intensive process, demanding a high degree of skill and coordination. Notice how the grain of the wood subtly influences the appearance of the print, adding depth and texture to the delicate blossoms and leaves. Woodblock printing had a democratizing effect on artmaking in Japan. While painting remained the domain of the elite, prints could be produced in multiples and sold at relatively affordable prices, making art accessible to a wider audience. This print, with its celebration of natural beauty, speaks to the close relationship between art, labor, and consumption in the Edo period. Paying attention to the materials and making of this print enriches our understanding of its cultural significance, inviting us to look beyond the image itself and appreciate the artistry and skill involved in its creation.