Roses 1800 - 1820

Kashosai Shunsen made this print of roses in Japan using woodblock printing. This wasn't just a technique, but a deeply embedded cultural practice, with specialized roles. Artists would create the designs, then skilled carvers would transfer these onto woodblocks, and printers would then apply ink and press the blocks onto paper. Notice how the material qualities of the wood itself, its grain and density, would have affected the final image, influencing the texture and evenness of the print. The flat, graphic style is a direct result of this process. Woodblock printing demanded a high degree of collaboration and division of labor, with each artisan contributing their expertise to the final artwork. In a sense, the beauty of this print isn't just about Shunsen’s design, but also about this collective effort and the rich history of Japanese craft. Appreciating the skill involved challenges any separation of 'high art' from craft.