Print 1800 - 1865

This print was made by Utagawa Kunisada in Japan. It’s a woodblock, a relatively low-tech medium with a long history. Consider how the artist had to work: each color area carved from a separate block, aligned precisely, and printed in sequence. This was not solitary work. It involved block cutters, printers, and publishers, and the division of labor is paramount to understanding the image. The figure's costume, from the woven hat to the patterned robe, is a testament to Japanese textile traditions. His sandals, too, speak to everyday life and the materials at hand. Notice the figure, perhaps an actor, and the fan he holds. These details highlight the vibrant entertainment culture of the Edo period, of which printmaking was a crucial part. It was a moment of expanding capitalism, and these prints were relatively affordable, bringing art to a wider audience. Thinking about this artwork through its materials and means of production helps us appreciate its historical context. It shows how art is deeply intertwined with labor, culture, and society.