Self-Portrait and Lotus c. 19th century

Sugai Baikan created "Self-Portrait and Lotus" using the demanding method of woodblock printing. The way this artwork was made – through careful carving and layering of ink – deeply influences its appearance. The process begins with the artist meticulously cutting away sections of a woodblock. The remaining raised areas are then inked, and paper is carefully pressed against the block to transfer the image. It’s a labor-intensive technique that requires a steady hand and profound knowledge of the material. The image of the lotus and the self-portrait are rendered through the contrast of light and shadow, achieved by the varying degrees of pressure applied during the printing process. The very act of carving, inking, and printing imbues the artwork with cultural significance. Woodblock printing was not just a technique, but a tradition passed down through generations, tying together artistic expression and skilled craft. Paying attention to materials and processes allows us to move past thinking about this artwork in terms of simple aesthetics, and think more about the labor, the tradition, and the choices that went into its making.