Memorial Portrait of the Actor Ichimura Takenojo V 1851

This woodblock print of actor Ichimura Takenojo V was made by Utagawa Kunimaro I in 1875. The process of woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, involves carving an image into a block of wood, applying ink, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Look closely, and you can see how the *ukiyo-e* technique emphasizes line and flat planes of color. Multiple blocks would have been used to create the different colors and details. The materiality of the wood, the specific tools used for carving, and the types of inks and paper all contribute to the aesthetic quality of the print. The production of *ukiyo-e* prints involved a division of labor, with different artisans specializing in carving, printing, and publishing, reflective of Edo-period commercial culture. Appreciating the intricate process and labor involved in creating this print allows us to understand its significance as both a work of art and a product of its time.