Flow and Grass 1961

Ansei Uchima made this woodblock print, "Flow and Grass," using a traditional technique called Moku-Hanga. This method involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. What’s interesting is that each color requires a separate block, demanding careful alignment and registration to build up the final composition. Uchima's print has a tactile quality, reflecting the grain of the wood and the pressure of the printing process. His process, rooted in a labor-intensive craft, stands in contrast to the mass-produced imagery that dominates much of modern visual culture. The natural imagery—grasses, rocks, and water—are all translated through a handmade process that foregrounds the inherent qualities of the wood and ink. By emphasizing the work involved in its production, Uchima elevates the print beyond mere representation, inviting viewers to consider the value of craft in a rapidly industrializing world.