Picture Book of Life in the Capital 1746

This page comes from a book made by Nishikawa Sukenobu in Japan, sometime before 1750. It’s made with woodblock printing, a technique with a long history by that point. A key feature of woodblock printing is its reproducibility. Many identical images can be made from one block, making it ideal for mass communication. The artist would have started by drawing the composition on paper, before carefully transferring the design onto a block of wood, probably cherry. Skilled artisans would then carve away the areas that should not receive ink, leaving the lines of the design raised. Think about the labor involved in the production of this book. The artist, the wood carvers, the papermakers, and the printers all contributed to the final object. This collaborative process highlights the connection between art and labor, reminding us that art is not just the product of individual genius, but also of collective effort and skill. This book offers valuable insight into the social dynamics of Edo-period Japan.