Konosato of Takeya Seated, Holding an Incense Burner 1756 - 1829

Chōbunsai Eishi created this woodblock print of Konosato sometime in the late 18th century. This artwork embodies the fascinating interplay of materials and processes inherent to the ukiyo-e tradition. The process begins with a drawing, which is then meticulously transferred onto a wooden block, usually cherry. Skilled artisans carve away the negative space, leaving the design in relief. Separate blocks are prepared for each color, demanding precise registration. Ink is then applied, and the image transferred to paper through careful hand-printing. Consider the labor involved: from the cultivation of trees to the hand- изготовления of paper, the preparation of pigments, and the carving and printing itself. Eishi relied on an entire workshop of skilled laborers. This piece offers a glimpse into the division of labor that underpinned the art of ukiyo-e, connecting the artwork to broader social and economic realities. In this way, what we see in the print is not only a beautiful depiction of Konosato, but a testament to the power of collective making.