The Hand Lantern 1780 - 1810

This print, "The Hand Lantern," was made by Kitao Shigemasa in Japan, using woodblock printing, a process known as "ukiyo-e". Note the flat planes of color, and the delicate lines that define the figures and their clothing. The key block, carved with the outlines of the image, would have been printed first, followed by subsequent blocks for each color. The paper itself is thin and absorbent, allowing the inks to soak in and create a soft, matte finish. Ukiyo-e prints were produced on an industrial scale, involving the labor of designers, carvers, printers, and publishers. This division of labor allowed for the mass production of affordable art for a broad audience, in contrast to the more individualized production of painting or sculpture. This print embodies the spirit of the "floating world," a realm of pleasure and entertainment accessible to a growing urban population. Shigemasa's print invites us to consider the social and economic forces that shaped its production and consumption.