Bluebells and Dragonflies 

Katsushika Hokusai made this print of bluebells and dragonflies in Japan, using woodblock printing, a technique known as *ukiyo-e*. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a block of wood, usually cherry. The printer carves away the negative space, leaving the lines of the design in relief. Ink is then applied to the surface, and paper is laid on top. By rubbing the back of the paper, the image is transferred. Each color requires a separate block, carefully aligned to build up the final image. Look closely, and you'll notice the flat planes of color, the crisp outlines, and the subtle textures of the wood grain. Consider the labor involved in each stage, from the cultivation of the cherry wood to the final print. Hokusai didn't do it all himself, but headed a workshop. These prints were commercial products, made for a growing middle class with a taste for beauty, and a demand for affordable art. By understanding the materials, the making, and the social context, we can fully appreciate the beauty and significance of this print, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.