Michi no Omi no Mikoto following a crow to the enemy’s lair 1880

This woodblock print was made by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, likely in the late 19th century, and exemplifies a technique called *ukiyo-e*. To make these prints, artisans, not the artist themselves, carved a series of woodblocks, one for each color. These were then carefully inked and pressed onto paper, building up the image in layers. Look closely, and you'll see how each line is clearly delineated, a testament to the sharp knives used in carving. The flat planes of color are characteristic of woodblock printing, where subtle gradations are difficult to achieve. What's fascinating about ukiyo-e is its reflection of a burgeoning consumer culture. These prints weren't unique artworks, but rather, mass-produced images sold to a wide audience. They catered to popular taste, depicting famous actors, beautiful women, and, as in this case, historical or legendary scenes. It was a form of art deeply embedded in the commercial realities of its time. It blurs the line between high art and accessible, affordable imagery.