Fazant en chrysanten 1833 - 1837

Utagawa Hiroshige created 'Pheasant and Chrysanthemums' using woodblock printing, a quintessential technique of the Edo period. Each color required a separate block, meticulously carved and then inked, before being pressed onto paper. Notice the subtle gradations of color in the pheasant's plumage, and the delicate rendering of the chrysanthemum petals. These details speak to the remarkable skill involved in carving and printing. Woodblock prints like these were not unique works, but part of a system of production involving artists, block cutters, printers, and publishers. This printmaking was a commercial venture, creating affordable art for a broad audience. The emphasis on craft and skill was crucial, allowing for both artistic expression and mass production. By appreciating the labor-intensive process behind this image, we gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural and economic context in which it was made. This challenges the traditional distinctions between high art and craft, revealing the interconnectedness of artistic creation and social life.