Proof Line-Block Print for Fan 1807 - 1879

This proof line-block print for a fan was made in Japan, in the 19th century, by Utagawa Sadahide. It’s made from paper, which, though humble, would have taken great skill to produce uniformly and thinly. What makes this image special is that it’s a test print. The fantastically detailed image, with figures, boats, and buildings, has been produced by carving into a block of wood. The skill of the block cutter is crucial in this kind of printmaking. With simple tools, the artist has carefully registered the image, ready for printing with ink. However, as a test print, it reveals the labor and artistry that goes into the final colorful product. It reminds us that beneath the colourful surface of the final print lies a whole world of craft. Sadahide's print challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft and encourages a deeper appreciation for the intricate processes involved in its creation.