Usugumo, from the series "Framed Pictures of Women for the Katsushika Circle (Katsushikaren gakumen fujin awase)" c. 1822

Yashima Gakutei created "Usugumo" using woodblock printing, a technique integral to the artistic landscape of his time. This method involves carving an image into a block of wood, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The material of the wood itself influences the print’s appearance. Its grain and density affect the way ink is absorbed and transferred, lending each impression a unique texture. The layering of colors is achieved through multiple blocks, each adding a different element to the composition. Woodblock printing was not just a means of artistic expression but also a form of cultural production tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. It democratized art, making it accessible to a broader audience beyond the elite circles. By focusing on the materials, processes, and social context of "Usugumo," we gain a deeper understanding of its meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.