The Fourth Scene, from the series Scenes of the Pleasure Quarter at Yoshiwara in Edo 1615 - 1868

This print, "The Fourth Scene," was made by Hishikawa Moronobu in Edo, Japan, using woodblock printing. This process involves carving an image into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper against the block to transfer the image. Moronobu was one of the first artists to popularize ukiyo-e prints, a genre that captured the fleeting pleasures of urban life. Woodblock printing allowed for the mass production of these images, making them accessible to a wide audience. The stark lines and flat planes of the print emphasize the graphic quality of the image, while the subtle variations in line weight and texture add depth and detail. The choice of subject matter—the bustling pleasure quarters of Yoshiwara—reflects the growing commercialization of Edo society and the rise of a new consumer culture. The scene's composition, with its careful arrangement of figures and objects, also speaks to the artist's skill in capturing the energy and vibrancy of urban life. This print reminds us that art is always embedded in social context, and that even seemingly simple materials and processes can be used to create powerful and meaningful images.