Actor Segawa Kikunojō III as Chōkichi c. 1790

This print of Actor Segawa Kikunojō III as Chōkichi, was made by Katsukawa Shun'ei, using woodblocks and colored inks. The flat planes of color and bold outlines immediately tell us this is a woodblock print, made by carving away areas of a woodblock, applying ink to the raised surfaces, and pressing paper against it. The labor involved is intensive: each color requires a separate block, demanding careful registration to align perfectly. The striking linear quality comes not just from the carving, but also from the distinctive grain of the wood itself. This image shows how the serial, reproductive nature of printmaking could disseminate images far and wide. It was affordable, and the result of collaboration: the artist, block cutter, and printer all playing essential roles. Understanding the labor and materials transforms our appreciation of this seemingly simple image, revealing the complex social dynamics and skilled craftsmanship embedded within it.