The actor Sawamura Tozo I as Dogen no Okichi in the play "Yoshiwara Niwaka no Banzuke," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the ninth month, 1804 1804

This print by Utagawa Toyokuni I, dating to 1804, captures the actor Sawamura Tozo I in character, using the woodblock technique. The material qualities of woodblock prints lend themselves to the graphic depiction of surfaces, such as the many layers of fabric worn by the actor. Wood is carved away from the block, leaving raised areas to receive ink. The artist, or more likely a workshop of artisans, cuts a separate block for each color. We can clearly see this labor of separation in the many subtle textures and visual effects of this image, such as the kimono's lavender dye, which seems to almost vibrate on the paper. The print process demands a collaboration between the artist, block carvers, and printers, each contributing their unique skills to the final image. These prints were produced in multiples, making them accessible to a broad audience, connecting the world of the theater to the everyday lives of people. Considering the artistry, we begin to realize how the so-called 'decorative arts' are not so very different than 'fine art.'