Still Life of Costume of Ichikawa Danjūrō V, for Shibaraku 1796

Kubo Shunman created this print of Ichikawa Danjūrō V’s costume using woodblock printing techniques. The flat planes of color in the image belie the intensive, specialized labor involved in its making. Woodblock printing demands collaboration between the artist, who designs the image; the block carver, who precisely translates the design onto wood blocks; and the printer, who applies ink and presses the blocks onto paper, one color at a time. Each artisan would have undergone years of training to master their specific skills. The materials used, like cherry wood for the blocks, and the handmade washi paper, were carefully selected for their unique properties. The quality of the lines, the layering of colors, and the texture of the paper all contribute to the print’s overall aesthetic effect. This print offers a glimpse into the collaborative nature of artistic production in Japan. It underscores the value placed on skill, precision, and material knowledge, challenging any divide between art, craft, and industry.