The Togetsu Bridge at Arashiyama in Yamashiro Province c. 1834

Katsushika Hokusai created this print of the Togetsu Bridge at Arashiyama in Yamashiro Province using woodblock printing, a technique that transforms drawing into multiples. The success of this print relies on the skilled labor of the many involved in the process. First, the artist creates the image, carving the design into a block of wood. Ink is then applied to the block, and paper pressed against it to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision and careful registration. The flat, graphic quality, bold lines, and areas of color testify to the artistry involved in the carving and printing. Prints like this one contributed to the rise of a consumer culture in Japan, where art became more accessible and widely distributed, reflecting a shift in the art world beyond traditional patronage systems. Recognizing the labor and techniques involved, and their social context, allows us to appreciate the full significance of the artwork. It challenges conventional hierarchies between fine art and craft, celebrating skill, process, and widespread cultural impact.