Oktober 1906 Possibly 1906 - 1920

Mitsutani Kunishiro created this print, “Oktober 1906,” using woodblock printing, a technique integral to the visual culture of Japan. The flat planes of color, bold outlines, and the graphic nature of the lettering are all inherent to the medium, which involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing it onto paper. Each color requires a separate block, and the precision with which these blocks are aligned determines the clarity of the final image. Consider the labor involved: from the careful selection and preparation of the wood, to the skilled carving and printing. This was not simply a mechanical process, but a deeply embodied practice, one that connected the artist to a long tradition of craftsmanship. Woodblock printing played a crucial role in disseminating information and imagery to a wide audience, contributing to the growth of consumer culture. Paying attention to materials and making allows us to appreciate the artistry and cultural significance embedded within this print, challenging any notion of a separation between art and craft.