Kintoki en Yamauba 1800 - 1805

This print, *Kintoki en Yamauba,* was made by Kitagawa Utamaro using woodblock printing. This wasn't just a means of artistic expression, but also a sophisticated system of information dissemination in its time. Think of it: specialized artisans, including wood carvers and printers, collaborated to make this image, combining their labor and skills to reproduce Utamaro's designs. The quality of the impression depended on the precise cutting of the woodblock and careful inking to create nuanced lines and colors. Notice the subtle gradations of color and the delicate lines that define the figures, particularly in the intricate patterns of Yamauba's robes. These prints were relatively affordable and widely available, allowing stories and images to circulate in society, reflecting the period’s values and tastes. Woodblock prints were not simply art objects, but also a form of mass communication. They provide insight into the economic structures of the time, reflecting the commodification of art and the distribution of cultural products within a growing urban market.