Russian Printers 1861

This is “Russian Printers,” a woodblock print made in the mid-19th century by Utagawa Yoshikazu. The process involved carving a series of blocks, one for each color, and then printing them in sequence to create the final image. Though Yoshikazu was Japanese, the subject here is Russian, and his rendition of Westerners can be understood as part of the _Yokohama-e_ tradition, prints that catered to a vogue for images of foreigners and foreign culture. The print displays a clear fascination with Russian culture, while subtly reflecting the social dynamics of labor. The detailed lines and careful registration of colors speak to the skill involved in producing these prints. The choice of woodblock printing, a traditional technique, adds another layer to the work’s meaning, contrasting with the modern subject matter, and hinting at the changes occurring at the time due to increased global interactions. Ultimately, it emphasizes how materials and making are key to understanding an artwork’s context.