“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki 1879

Adachi Ginkō created this Japanese woodblock print, “Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” using a relief printing process. Woodblock printing is a labor-intensive process requiring specialized artisans and tools. The print’s visual impact relies on the inherent qualities of the wood, ink, and paper. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision in carving and registration, which speaks to the printmaker's skill. The flat planes of color and bold outlines are not merely aesthetic choices; they are direct results of the materials and techniques employed. This print is not only a product of artistic expression, but also a reflection of 19th century global dynamics, as Japan opened up to the West. Woodblock prints like this one were produced in multiples, and often represented scenes from everyday life, including Kabuki theater. While blurring the lines between fine art and craft, it gives us insight into the society that produced and consumed it.