Visiting Kiyomizu Temple c. 1684 - 1698

This print, "Visiting Kiyomizu Temple," was made by Sugimura Jihei in Japan. It’s a woodblock print, a process that involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper against it to transfer the image. Look closely, and you'll notice how the grain of the wood itself adds texture to the scene. The artist carefully chose different blocks for each color, requiring precise alignment. See how the black lines define the forms, while the delicate pink adds highlights to the architecture and figures. Woodblock printing was a painstaking, collaborative process, often involving specialists in carving, printing, and publishing. In Japan, this medium boomed as part of a wider commercial culture, making art more accessible to a broader public. This print offers a glimpse into the everyday life and leisure activities, but also reflects a sophisticated system of production and distribution. Appreciating its material and making enriches our understanding of the artwork.