Yama uba and Kintaro 

Kitagawa Utamaro’s "Yama uba and Kintaro" is a woodblock print. It uses traditional art materials, but taken to a high level of sophistication. Think about how the wood grain of the block would influence the final image, adding texture and depth. The carver would need exceptional skill to translate Utamaro's lines into physical form. Utamaro was a leading designer of ukiyo-e prints, which were part of a highly commercial system, akin to the mass media of the time. This printmaking process involved the close collaboration of the artist, block carver, printer, and publisher, each playing a crucial role in production. The choice of colors, the precise registration of the blocks, and the layering of ink, all contributed to the overall effect. Ukiyo-e prints were not just art objects, but commodities, reflecting the social context of Edo-period Japan and its burgeoning consumer culture. Considering the materials and processes used in its creation helps us understand not only its aesthetic qualities, but also its cultural and economic significance.