Avondgloed te Seta 1833 - 1837

Utagawa Hiroshige I made this Japanese woodblock print with ink and color on paper. Woodblock printing in Japan was not merely a reproductive technique, but an art form in its own right, involving highly skilled carving of the blocks, and careful registration of colors. The appeal of this print resides in the materiality of the woodblock itself. The way that the woodblock can create a soft, hazy image with flat colors has influenced the overall composition of the print. Hiroshige uses flat, block-like shapes to create the illusion of depth. The production of prints like this, involved teams of artisans, each specializing in one aspect of the process. This division of labor was very effective, and allowed a huge number of prints to be made. Appreciating the skill and the complex process of the woodblock print helps us to broaden our understanding of art and aesthetics.