Ushikawa Playing His Flute, issued by the Seirei Akabaren 

Toyota Hokkei’s “Ushikawa Playing His Flute” was printed with woodblocks, a technique called *ukiyo-e*, popular during the Edo period in Japan. The process of making such a print was highly collaborative, dividing labor between artist, block carver, printer, and publisher. Each artisan specialized in a meticulous practice; outlines, colors, and details demanded precise registration. Natural materials were employed: cherry wood for the blocks, handmade paper, and inks derived from plants. The success of *ukiyo-e* prints depended on the rise of a merchant class who had the money to spend on luxury items. The images met the demands of a growing urban population eager for affordable art, depicting fashionable actors, courtesans, and scenes from daily life, reflecting the era’s dynamic culture and economy. When considering this print, it is important to recognize that its beauty lies in the convergence of artistic vision, skilled craftsmanship, and the social context that enabled its production and appreciation.