Two Women Waiting for a Ferry on the Sumida River c. 1787

Torii Kiyonaga made this print of two women waiting for a ferry on the Sumida River using woodblock printing, a technique where each color requires a separate block, demanding careful registration. The beauty of the print lies in the layering of colors and textures achieved through this meticulous process. The subtle gradations in the women's kimonos, the delicate lines of the river, and the soft hues of the sky demonstrate Kiyonaga’s skill in manipulating the woodblocks. The making of these prints was not a solitary activity but involved the collaboration of artists, carvers, and printers, reflecting a social dimension of artistic production. Woodblock printing was not just a means of artistic expression but also a commercial enterprise, with prints mass-produced and sold to a wide audience. The intricate process reflects a balance between artistic vision and the demands of the market. So, when we look at this print, we're not just seeing an image, but also witnessing a moment in the history of materials, labor, and artistry.