Tsuru-kame, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)" 1898

Tsukioka Kôgyo created this print, titled Tsuru-kame, using woodblock printing, a process rooted in the meticulous labor of carving, inking, and pressing. The essence of woodblock printing lies in its layering. Each color you see demanded a separate block, carefully carved to isolate only the areas that would receive that particular ink. Imagine the precision needed to achieve the subtle gradations of color in the sky and garments. The process involved not only Kôgyo's artistry, but the skill of woodcutters and printers too, each contributing to the final image. This collaborative effort has deep social roots. Woodblock printing emerged in Japan as a way to disseminate Buddhist texts. Over time, it evolved into a popular means of sharing art and information with a wider audience. Prints like these brought theater to people who may have never been able to afford a live performance. When we consider all the hands that helped create this print, it challenges our idea of the artist as a solitary figure. The value of this work is found in its material and the rich cultural context of shared labor.