Kurahashi Densuke Kiyohara no Takeyuki Holding a Lantern 1868

This woodblock print was made by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in the late 19th century. It depicts Kurahashi Densuke Kiyohara no Takeyuki holding a lantern, and it uses a technique called *ukiyo-e*, meaning "pictures of the floating world." The *ukiyo-e* tradition involves a division of labor. Artists like Yoshitoshi would design the image, which was then carved into woodblocks by skilled artisans. Separate blocks were needed for each color. Paper was then carefully pressed onto the blocks to create the final print. The rich, saturated colors and crisp lines were all achieved by the steady hands of wood carvers, and those who mixed the inks. Though the artist would set the tone for the artwork, the quality and skill of the artisans would bring the artwork to life, resulting in a print for popular consumption. This print reflects the collaborative spirit of the *ukiyo-e* tradition, where the artist, artisans, and publishers all played vital roles in bringing art to the masses.