Actor Onoe Kikugorō IV as Shichiuratayū Possibly 1860 - 1862

This woodblock print depicts the actor Onoe Kikugorō IV, created by Utagawa Kunisada. Woodblock prints like this one were not simply the product of the artist's hand. While Kunisada designed the image, the actual printing involved a team of artisans. First, a block cutter would carve the design into wood, then a printer would apply ink and carefully press the paper to transfer the image. Each color required a separate block, demanding meticulous registration. The success of this print relies heavily on the skilled labor involved. The crisp lines, the subtle gradations of color, and the precise alignment of the blocks all speak to the expertise of the anonymous craftsmen who brought Kunisada's vision to life. These prints were commercial products, made for a growing urban audience with a taste for the theater. Considering the collaborative process and the social context of its production allows us to appreciate the full complexity of this striking image, and to move beyond traditional notions of the artist as a solitary genius.