Bewonderen van de kersenbloesem te Asukayama 1785 - 1790

Katsukawa Shunchō created this woodblock print of women viewing cherry blossoms around 1785, using a technique called Ukiyo-e. The charm of this print lies in its skillful deployment of line and color: observe the precision and detail required to carve separate blocks for each color, which are then carefully registered to create the final image. The inherent qualities of the wood influence the final print, and the labor-intensive process involved many skilled hands. From the artist who designed the image, to the carvers and printers who brought it to life. The soft, absorbent nature of the paper allows for subtle gradations of tone, and the translucent quality of the inks adds depth and luminosity to the image. These prints were not considered "high art" at the time, but rather, a popular and commercial form of art, produced for a wide audience. Considering the materials, making, and context reveals the rich cultural significance of the artwork, challenging traditional hierarchies between art and craft.