No. 62 c. 1835 - 1838

"No. 62" was created by Utagawa Hiroshige using woodblock printing, a process deeply rooted in Japanese craft traditions. Each color you see required a separate block, meticulously carved to create this scene. The flat, vibrant colors and crisp lines are a direct result of this technique, demanding precision and skill. Look closely and you'll notice the subtle texture of the paper, integral to the print’s overall effect. The artist would have worked collaboratively with woodblock cutters and printers, highlighting the role of labor in this artwork. Woodblock prints like this one were not only art objects but also a form of mass media. They were relatively affordable, reaching a wide audience and reflecting popular culture. This print invites us to consider how traditional craft practices intersect with broader social and economic forces, blurring the lines between art, craft, and commerce. It’s a reminder that the value of an artwork lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its material history and the labor that brought it to life.