Wakana, Part 1 (Wakana, jo), from the series "A Fashionable Parody of the Tale of Genji (Furyu yatsushi Genji)" c. 1789 - 1794

Chōbunsai Eishi created "Wakana, Part 1" as a woodblock print, a medium deeply entwined with the social fabric of its time. The flat planes of color and precisely delineated forms speak to the laborious process of woodblock printing. Each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved and aligned to create the final image. This was a true industry with designers, carvers, printers and publishers. Consider the texture imbued by the wood grain itself, a subtle reminder of the natural material from which this image emerged. The soft hues and delicate lines capture the elegance of the women depicted, their elaborate kimonos a testament to the skilled artisans who crafted the textiles. The entire composition is imbued with the labor, skill and care of many hands. By appreciating the materiality and the means of production, we gain insight into the cultural and social context of "Wakana, Part 1," challenging any perceived hierarchy between art and craft.