Watanabe Genji Tsuna on a Horse in the Rain 1865

This print, Watanabe Genji Tsuna on a Horse in the Rain, was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, using woodblock printing, a meticulous craft involving carving a design into wood, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The process dictates the aesthetic. Note the stark lines defining the rain. The flat, vibrant colors are a direct result of layering inks from separate blocks. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the artwork, absorbing the ink and creating a unique visual experience. The registration of the blocks is critical for the final image; any misalignment would disrupt the scene. Woodblock printing in Japan had become highly commercialized in the 19th century. It relied on the coordinated labor of artists, carvers, printers, and publishers. Yoshitoshi would have been keenly aware of this system, both as a tradition and a business. So when we look at this print, let’s appreciate not only the artist's skill but the labor and intricate processes behind it. This perspective challenges the traditional hierarchy separating art from craft, revealing the depth of artistic creation embedded in everyday practices.