Zilveren rijstwijnpotje en porseleinen pot 1820s

Teisai Hokuba created this print of a silver rice wine pot and porcelain container. The traditional materials and the method of production – a woodblock print – give us a glimpse into the world of artisanal craft in Japan. Note the texture of the silver pot: Hokuba captured this through the cross-hatching used to render the metal. Silver is a precious material and would have been a luxury item. The choice of red for the pot is interesting, and brings to mind the labor-intensive process of porcelain production. Color was an important consideration in the design and would have added to its appeal. Woodblock printing was a painstaking and specialized process, requiring highly skilled artisans. As you consider this image, think about the immense labor involved in creating the silver pot, the porcelain container, and the print itself. Appreciating the craft in this work challenges our conventional understanding of art.