Cherry Blossoms at Yoshino c. 1833

Katsushika Hokusai made this print, *Cherry Blossoms at Yoshino*, using woodblocks, a quintessential technique of Japanese art. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a block of wood, usually cherry. A carver then meticulously cuts away the negative space, leaving the lines of the design in relief. This block is then inked and printed onto paper. Because each color requires a separate block, a complex image like this would demand collaboration between the artist, the carver, and the printer, each a skilled artisan in their own right. Looking closely, we can see the beauty of the blossoms rendered in delicate detail. The softness of the blooms contrasts with the sharp precision of the architectural elements. Woodblock printing was not just a means of artistic expression, but also a form of cultural production, tied to a network of skilled labor, and available for mass consumption. Paying attention to these material processes allows us to appreciate the artistry involved, and also to understand the social context in which the work was created.