Open schelp 1821

Katsushika Hokusai's ‘Open Shell’ print was made using woodblock printing, a process known as *ukiyo-e*, during the Edo period in Japan. The image’s flat planes of color and precisely carved lines reflect the inherent qualities of this process. A design was first drawn, then transferred to a woodblock, typically cherry. Skilled artisans would then carve away the negative space, leaving the design in relief. Ink was applied to the surface, and then paper laid on top, and burnished to transfer the image. Each color required a separate block, making the process labor-intensive and collaborative. Woodblock prints like this were produced for a growing urban audience, reflecting the rise of a merchant class and a consumer culture. They were relatively affordable, and met a demand for images of daily life, landscapes, and popular culture. Understanding *ukiyo-e* means recognizing that it wasn't just about artistic vision, but about skilled labor, material constraints, and the dynamics of a changing society.