Parody of a daimyo procession c. 1805 - 1807

Utagawa Toyohiro created this woodblock print, Parody of a Daimyo Procession, using traditional techniques of Japanese printmaking. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry. The artist then carves away the areas that will not be inked, a painstaking task requiring immense skill and precision. Different blocks were used to create the different colors, layering them to create the final image of a figure in procession. The materiality of the woodblock and the layering of ink imbue the print with a unique texture and depth. The smooth surface of the paper contrasts with the intricate carving and delicate application of color. This print provides a glimpse into the social context of Edo-period Japan. The woodblock print was a popular and accessible art form, widely consumed by the merchant class, providing a fascinating window into the era’s cultural values and artistic practices. It reminds us that art is not just about the final image, but also about the materials, labor, and cultural context in which it is created.