Print 1800 - 1865

This print was made by Utagawa Kunisada, using woodblocks, a quintessential technique of the Edo period in Japan. Woodblock printing is a labour-intensive process; each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved and aligned to create the final image. Look closely, and you’ll notice the subtle variations in tone and texture, achieved by applying pressure to the block. The character’s robe, with its intricate patterns, demonstrates the artistry of both the designer and the carver. These prints were not considered ‘high art’ at the time. They were produced for a mass market, catering to a burgeoning urban population with an appetite for entertainment and fashion. The woodblock process allowed for relatively quick production, meeting the demand for images of actors, courtesans, and popular scenes from daily life. It is an aesthetic driven by consumption, and yet, the hand-made quality of the prints persists. They speak of a time when art and commerce were not so far apart.