Act 8 c. 1794

'Act 8' was made by Chōki. It’s a Japanese woodblock print, made using a technique known as *ukiyo-e*. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry. Specialist woodworkers carve away the areas that will not receive ink. Ink is then applied to the surface and printed onto paper. Each color requires a separate block, demanding exacting alignment. Notice here the range of colors used to render the figures, landscape, and even the texture of the cloth. *Ukiyo-e* prints were originally made for a mass audience, contributing to a vibrant popular culture in Japan. The appeal of these prints lay in their accessibility and affordability. They were a commercial art, supported by a thriving merchant class. Appreciating this print involves understanding not just its visual appeal, but the collaborative labor and economic system that made it possible. It's a fascinating example of how art and commerce intersect.