Nakamura Nakazo II as Matsuo-maru 1615 - 1868

This print of Nakamura Nakazo II as Matsuo-maru, was made by Utagawa Toyokuni I, using woodblock printing techniques. Here, the materiality of the woodblock influences the appearance of the artwork. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e,* was a complex process that involved carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surfaces, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Multiple blocks were used to create different colors. The carved lines define the forms of the actor, the folds of his robe, and even the texture of his hair. The flat, graphic quality of the print, with its bold outlines and areas of solid color, is a direct result of this process. This production method involved the labor of highly skilled artisans, reflecting the social context of Edo-period Japan, where the rising merchant class fueled a demand for images of popular actors. The print is not just an image, but an object made through labor, skill, and a specific set of cultural and economic conditions. Appreciating the *ukiyo-e* tradition challenges traditional hierarchies between art and craft, revealing the value of popular art forms.