Chinese boys playing in the snow 1790

Kitagawa Utamaro made this image of children playing in the snow using woodblock printing, a technique known as ukiyo-e. These prints were relatively inexpensive, involving a division of labor. An artist would make a design, which was then carved into blocks by specialists, and printed by yet another set of artisans. The key block was carved first, bearing the outlines of the image. Then colors were added using additional blocks. Close inspection reveals the flat, almost graphic quality of this technique, where each color is distinctly separated by a fine black line. The beauty of the print lies in the precise alignment of these blocks, resulting in a crispness of image, particularly noticeable in the children's facial expressions and clothing. While ukiyo-e prints were relatively affordable, their production still required a considerable amount of skill and labor. Utamaro's design would have been interpreted and translated by the carvers, who would need to use a variety of knives and chisels to create the intricate lines and patterns that make up the image. It's a fascinating example of how the value of art is tied to the work involved in its production.