Ōnmyo Imoseyama 1810

Ōnmyo Imoseyama was made by Katsushika Hokusai in Japan using woodblock printing. This technique, known as *ukiyo-e*, involves carving an image into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the block to create a print. The stark black and white tones showcase the artist's meticulous carving and the careful application of ink. The wood’s grain influences the print’s texture, adding depth to the scene of a seated figure looming over another character below, set against the backdrop of a spiderweb-like structure. Hokusai mastered this process, creating visually stunning compositions through labor-intensive production. The prints were made to be affordable and accessible, reflecting a shift in artistic production towards catering to a wider audience. The intricate process and the delicate material of paper invite us to appreciate the history of creative practices and aesthetics. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can better understand the layers of meaning embedded within the artwork.