Avond wandeling langs de rivier 1860 - 1862

Utagawa Kunisada made this woodblock print, Avond wandeling langs de rivier, some time before 1865. It’s a triptych, meaning it’s made of three separate panels. Woodblock prints like these weren’t unique artworks, but rather a form of popular commercial art, made by teams of artisans. First, the artist would create the design. Then, skilled wood carvers would transfer that design onto multiple woodblocks, one for each color. Finally, printers would apply ink to the blocks and carefully press them onto paper. The production process involved the coordinated labour of artist, carver, and printer. The appeal of these prints lies in their fluid lines and blocks of vibrant color, here depicting fashionable women and their elegant kimonos. The prints were relatively affordable, thanks to the efficient division of labor, making them accessible to a wide audience. The materiality of the print is thus inextricably linked to the social context of its production and consumption. It invites us to consider how art reflects and shapes our material world.