Cherry Tree and Pheasant 1765

Komatsuya Hyakki created this woodblock print of a cherry tree and pheasant in 18th-century Japan. The work is made through a meticulous process. Designs are first carved into woodblocks, then inked and pressed onto paper. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision and skill. Notice how the wood grain subtly appears in the print, adding texture. The flat, graphic style emphasizes the inherent qualities of the woodblock medium. The lines are clean, but organic, with subtle imperfections revealing the hand of the artist and artisans involved in the production. Woodblock printing was an integral part of the Edo period's visual culture. Produced in multiples, prints like these were accessible to a wider audience, fostering a shared aesthetic and appreciation for nature and design. This piece speaks to the integration of art, craft, and everyday life, challenging our notions of art’s social role.