Makigaki, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)" 1898

Tsukioka Kôgyo created this print, "Makigaki," around the turn of the 20th century using woodblock printing, a process that gives the image its distinctive texture and line quality. Consider the labor involved. Each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved, inked, and then pressed onto the paper. This print’s subtle gradations of color and the crispness of the lines suggest a collaboration between a skilled artist and equally skilled block cutters and printers. The materials themselves—paper, ink, wood—are humble, yet transformed through considerable expertise. The subject, drawn from the world of Japanese Noh theatre, adds another layer of cultural significance. By focusing on the means of production, we can appreciate how the print bridges the gap between everyday craft and high art, embodying both technical mastery and artistic expression. It makes us question the traditional hierarchies of art and labor, and consider the value of skilled work.