Reading a Letter c. 1688

Furuyama Moroshige created this woodblock print, *Reading a Letter*, around the late 17th century. Here, the flat surface of the paper sheet meets the labor-intensive process of woodblock printing. The artisans would have carved the image into a block of wood, applied ink, and then pressed the paper onto the block to transfer the design. Each color would require a separate block, and the accuracy of the registration of colors was very important. Although this print is only in black and white, it gives a good idea of the complexity involved. Look closely and you can see how the artist uses the linear quality of the printmaking process to emphasize the intricate patterns of the kimonos, the textures of the interior, and the subtle expression of the figures. The print also speaks to the rise of a consumer culture in Japan at this time, as prints like these became increasingly popular among a wider audience. Consider this print not just as an image, but as a product of skilled labor, material knowledge, and cultural exchange.