Poem by Nakatsukasa, from an untitled series of Thirty-Six Immortal Poets c. 1767 - 1768

Suzuki Harunobu created this print, Poem by Nakatsukasa, using woodblock printing techniques. The process involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surfaces, and then pressing paper against the block to transfer the image. The texture of the paper plays a role in the print's appearance, influencing how the ink is absorbed and distributed. Notice the delicate lines and subtle gradations of color, achieved through careful carving and precise printing. The poem inscribed at the top alludes to the season, and the material reality is the product of a complex division of labor, involving designers, block cutters, printers, and publishers. The act of printing itself, with its repetitive motions and standardized outputs, reflects broader social and economic forces at play. This work blurs the boundaries between art and craft, highlighting the labor and skill involved in its production.