Geisha en pauw op pruimenbloesem c. 1822

This print of a geisha and peacock on plum blossom was made by Yashima Gakutei in the 19th century, likely using woodblock printing. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred to a block of wood, usually cherry. Using specialized carving tools, the artist or a skilled artisan meticulously carves away the areas that will not receive ink, leaving the design raised. This block is then inked, and paper is carefully laid upon it, and burnished to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block, a testament to the labor and skill involved in the production of these prints, known as Ukiyo-e, or ‘pictures of the floating world’. The quality of the paper, the precision of the carving, and the registration of the colors all speak to the high level of craftsmanship valued in Japanese printmaking. These images were not simply mass-produced; they were the result of a complex collaborative process. Examining the materials and methods by which this print was created allows us to appreciate its artistic value, and the amount of work involved.