Morning Scene in Samezu 1841 - 1842

This is “Morning Scene in Samezu” by Utagawa Hiroshige, a woodblock print made sometime in the 19th century. The design was created by Hiroshige, but was then handed off to teams of block cutters and printers, who would have produced it in multiples. The print is made with a technique called “nishiki-e,” or brocade pictures, because of their vibrant colors and intricate detail. Each color you see would have required a separate woodblock, meticulously carved and then aligned to create the final image. The labor was intensive, involving highly skilled artisans working collaboratively. This mode of production made prints affordable for a wide audience. The scene itself depicts a bustling port, with travelers resting at a roadside inn. You can see boats dotting the water, and figures engaged in various activities, and the aesthetic traditions of Japanese art. But it also speaks to broader issues of labor, trade, and consumption in a rapidly changing society. Considering the materials and processes involved is essential to understanding this print and the broader context in which it was created, breaking down traditional distinctions between craft and fine art.