Print 1786 - 1854

This vibrant print was created by Utagawa Kunisada, a prolific Japanese printmaker, likely in the mid-19th century. It's made using woodblock printing, a process where each color is carved into a separate block of wood, inked, and then carefully pressed onto paper. The magic of this image lies in the interplay of flat planes and carefully chosen materials. See how the wood grain itself becomes part of the design, adding texture to the trees. The colors, too, are significant. They would have been achieved using natural dyes, each with its own particular qualities and challenges. The production of these prints involved a close collaboration between the artist, the carver, and the printer, each bringing specialized skills to the process. The print also reflects the rise of a consumer culture, as these images were made in multiples for a broad audience. Paying attention to the materials and making involved allows us to see beyond the surface and appreciate the complex cultural and social forces at play in this seemingly simple image.