Arashi Rikan als Sasaki Saburo Morimatsu 1831

This woodblock print depicting Arashi Rikan as Sasaki Saburo Morimatsu was made by Shunbaisai Hokuei in Japan between 1829 and 1837. Woodblock printing is an intricate process, requiring carving a separate block for each color. The registration must be perfect, or the final print will be blurry. In the hands of a master like Hokuei, the process allows for the creation of striking images, with crisp lines and bold colors. Notice how the black areas of the actor's costume provide a strong visual anchor, contrasting with the more detailed rendering of his face and hands. Woodblock prints like this one were produced for a mass audience, a relatively affordable form of art that was widely consumed. Their production involved the labor of many skilled artisans, from the artists who designed the images to the carvers and printers who brought them to life. These prints were commercial products, reflecting the tastes and interests of a broad public, and a complex system of production. So next time you encounter a woodblock print, remember that it represents a fusion of art, craft, and commerce.