The Poetess Shunzei no Musume, from the series The Thirty-six Immortal Women Poets (Nishikizuri onna sanjurokkasen) Possibly 1615 - 1868

This print, by Chōbunsai Eishi, depicts the Poetess Shunzei no Musume, and is made from wood and paper. It’s part of a series called "The Thirty-six Immortal Women Poets." Looking closely, you can see the layered textures and colors, achieved through the Nishiki-e technique, meaning “brocade picture.” This method used multiple woodblocks, each inked with a different color, to create a rich, tapestry-like effect. The flat planes of color and the precise lines of the design, were the result of a highly skilled division of labor. Each block would have been carved by a specialist artisan. The materiality of the print is deeply connected to the social context of its production. The demand for ukiyo-e prints in the Edo period fueled a thriving industry. These prints weren’t just artworks; they were commodities, reflecting the tastes and aspirations of a burgeoning merchant class. Understanding the processes and materials behind this print allows us to appreciate not only its aesthetic qualities, but also its place in a broader cultural and economic landscape.