Full Moon 1878

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi made this woodblock print, "Full Moon," using a technique called *ukiyo-e*. Think about the process: each color you see here required a separate block, meticulously carved from cherry wood. The key block, which defined the outlines, would have been printed first, then the others aligned to it with incredible precision. It was a division of labor; the artist designed the image, but specialized carvers and printers brought it to life. Notice how the flat, vibrant colors contrast with the delicate lines and patterns. The texture of the wood grain itself becomes part of the image, especially in the subtle gradations of the moon. This wasn't just a reproduction process; it was a creative act in its own right. These prints were commercial products, relatively inexpensive and widely available. Consider them as an example of mass production, but one that celebrated the hand skills of the artisans involved. It’s this blend of artistic vision, technical skill, and social context that makes *ukiyo-e* so compelling, challenging our ideas of fine art versus craft.