Ogura Imitation of the One Hundred Poems 1843 - 1845

This print, ‘Ogura Imitation of the One Hundred Poems,’ was made in the 19th century by Utagawa Hiroshige, using woodblock printing. This method, known as *ukiyo-e*, was not just a means of reproduction but a highly skilled craft. Consider the labor involved: each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved and then carefully registered to create the final image. The lines are sharp, the colors are flat, and the compositions create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The materiality of the print – the paper, the ink, the wood – all contribute to the overall aesthetic. While these prints were relatively affordable and widely circulated, they were far from mass-produced in the modern sense. Each one represents a significant investment of time and skill, and this imbues them with a unique cultural value. The *ukiyo-e* tradition bridges the gap between art, craft, and commerce, offering a fascinating glimpse into the visual culture of Edo-period Japan.