Two Cranes and Pine Branches c. early 19th century

Katsushika Taito II made this print, entitled “Two Cranes and Pine Branches,” in Japan during the 19th century. It's a woodblock print, meaning that the design was painstakingly carved into a block of wood, inked, and then pressed onto paper. Take a close look and you’ll notice the layering of colors, each requiring a separate block. The texture of the paper itself is also part of the aesthetic. The smooth surface and the way it absorbs ink allows for delicate gradations of tone. The artist has captured the essence of the crane's elegance and the pine's resilience through this demanding process. The work involved in creating this print is a testament to the skill, and the collaboration involved. Woodblock printing was a highly developed industry in Japan at this time. It's important to remember the many hands and processes involved in its production, a process that blurs boundaries between art, craft, and industry.