Totsuka- Motomachi Fork c. 1832 - 1833

This print, *Totsuka-Motomachi Fork*, was made by Utagawa Hiroshige using woodblock printing, a process known as *ukiyo-e*. Hiroshige designed the image, which was then transferred to a woodblock, carved, inked, and finally printed onto paper. Each color required a separate block, demanding incredible precision. But this wasn’t just about technical skill; it was about making images accessible. Woodblock prints were relatively inexpensive, fueling a boom in visual culture during Japan's Edo period. Consider the labor involved, from the artist's design to the carver's steady hand and the printer's careful application of color. These prints were made for mass consumption, reflecting a shift toward a more commercialized society. As you look at the lines, colors, and composition of the image, remember the many hands that brought it into being and consider how these techniques have made it what it is. The choice of such materials and modes of production allows a glimpse into the cultural values of the time.