(Fishing boats) 1893

This print, “Fishing Boats,” was made by Tamura Gesshō, probably in the late 19th or early 20th century, using woodblock printing techniques. Woodblock printing demanded incredible skill. Each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved to represent a portion of the final design. Look closely, and you’ll see that the subdued palette lends a sense of tranquility to the scene. The paper itself is also important. Likely handmade, its fibers would have provided a receptive surface for the ink, allowing for the subtle gradations of tone we see here. The process, like the fishing industry itself, depends on a deep understanding of materials, and a mastery of technique developed over generations. Prints like this one reflect not only a specific place and time but also the cultural values attached to labor, nature, and community. It invites us to consider the connections between art, craft, and the everyday lives of people.