Four Friends of Calligraphy: Lady Murasaki 1800 - 1868

Yashima Gakutei created this print of Lady Murasaki using woodblocks, ink, and color in the 19th century. The ukiyo-e tradition, of which Gakutei was a part, relied on a division of labor - artists created designs which were then carved into blocks by skilled artisans, and finally printed by yet another set of specialists. The process begins with thin sheets of paper, pressed against the carved woodblocks. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision. This print is a beautiful balance of line and flat areas of color; notice the evenness of the grey circle at the upper left, in contrast to the details of the kimono. What is most interesting to me is how this division of labor resulted in prints that are both works of individual expression and products of collective effort. They blur the boundaries between individual artistry and industrial production, a particularly interesting dynamic in the context of 19th century Japan’s rapid modernization. And like many works in the ukiyo-e tradition, this print reminds us of the deep social relationships and economic models that underpin all forms of making.