Beauties 1861

This print, titled 'Beauties,' was made by Utagawa Yoshiiku in Japan, using woodblock printing. The technique involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing paper against the block to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision and planning. The distinct character of the print emerges from this labor-intensive process. The flat planes of color, the crisp outlines, and the subtle textures of the wood grain are all inherent to woodblock printing. The process necessitates a clear, graphic style and an attention to detail. The choice of colors, the composition, and the narrative content are all shaped by the artist's engagement with the materials. Prints like these had wide distribution, reflecting Japan's increasing engagement with the West in the late 19th century. The subject matter, depicting Western figures, speaks to a broader social context of cultural exchange. So, next time you look at a print, consider how the materials and making are active ingredients in the final result.