Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1: Genroku-style Courtesan 1810s

This print, Genroku-style Courtesan, was made by Utagawa Kuninao in the late 18th or early 19th century using woodblock printing. The image is produced through a labor-intensive process, carving separate blocks for each color and carefully layering them to create the final image. Woodblock prints like this were a popular medium for depicting fashionable figures, including courtesans. The level of detail in the courtesan's kimono and hairstyle reflects the artistry and skill required for the production. The various patterns and colors, printed one by one, indicate a sophisticated understanding of design and production, revealing much about the lifestyle of the subject. These prints weren't just art objects; they were also commodities, produced and sold in large numbers. Consider the sheer labor involved – the artist's design, the carver's precision, and the printer's expertise. Thinking about this making process helps us to understand these works as both art and evidence of a complex social and economic system.