Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain 1781 - 1801

This print, Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain, was made in Japan in the late 1700s by Chōbunsai Eishi. It's a woodblock print, a process that involves carving an image into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper against it. Look closely, and you can see the way the wood's grain subtly influences the print's texture. The lines defining the rain, the figures' clothing, and the landscape, are all products of this direct, hands-on process. The skilled labor of carving, inking, and printing are all crucial to the final image. Woodblock printing was a key part of a growing commercial culture in Japan at the time. Prints like this weren't just art, they were a popular commodity, reflecting the tastes and desires of a broad audience. By focusing on the materials and the making, we can see how this print connects to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, challenging traditional ideas about art.