Granaatappel c. 1850 - 1860

Miyake Eisai created this print of a pomegranate, sometime in the 19th century, using woodblock printing techniques. This method involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. The process is repeated for each color, requiring careful registration to align them correctly. The smooth paper allows for precise impressions, capturing the fine details of the pomegranate's skin and the delicate butterfly wings. The layering of colors creates depth and dimension, while the flat, graphic style is characteristic of ukiyo-e prints from this period. Woodblock printing was a labor-intensive process, often involving teams of skilled artisans, and was tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Paying attention to the materials, processes, and social context is important for understanding the meaning and cultural significance of the artwork.