Night Rain at a Shrine c. early 1760s

Kitao Shigemasa created this woodblock print, “Night Rain at a Shrine,” in 18th-century Japan. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. Because each color requires a separate block, the process demands collaboration and a division of labor between the artist, carver, and printer. Looking closely, you can see how the individual lines of rain were achieved through careful carving and printing. The subtle gradations of color in the sky and trees also speak to the printer's skill in controlling the ink and pressure. The coordination between artisan and artist resulted in an image that captures a fleeting moment with remarkable sensitivity. Consider how this print reflects the urban culture of Edo-period Japan, where a thriving merchant class supported the production and consumption of *ukiyo-e* prints. Appreciating the materials, tools, and workshops that brought this image into being reminds us that art is always the product of human labor and cultural exchange.