Schoonheden bij een hanengevecht c. 1845 - 1846

Utagawa Kunisada made this woodblock print, “Beauties at a Cockfight,” in nineteenth-century Japan. The process of making these prints was highly collaborative, with the artist providing the initial design, and then carvers and printers taking over. Woodblock printing demanded incredible precision, with each color requiring a separate block. The carver transferred the design onto the wood, and then carefully cut away the areas that would remain white. The printer then applied ink to the block and pressed it onto paper. The number of impressions that could be made from a single block was limited. The printmaking process directly relates to its social significance. The division of labor reflects the highly structured society of Edo-period Japan, with specialized artisans contributing their skills to the production of these artworks. Woodblock prints democratized access to art, making it available to a wider audience beyond the elite. By understanding the process, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural context of this work.