Calling upon the Lady Tamakazura, from the illustrated book "Collection of Pictures of Beauties (Bijin e-zukishi)" c. 1683

This print, "Calling upon the Lady Tamakazura," was created by Hishikawa Moronobu in Japan, using woodblock printing – a technique deeply rooted in the culture of its time. Consider the material, paper, and the process used to make it. These prints weren’t made with a single strike, but with multiple blocks, each carrying a different color. See how the lines are crisp and definite, yet the colors remain flat, subtly layered. This suggests a division of labor, with the artist, block cutter, and printer each bringing their skills to bear on the final image. It’s easy to think of this artwork in terms of design, a commodity for consumption. But look closer, and you see the hand of the maker – the evidence of craft, of time, and of skill. The beauty of this artwork comes not only from its visual impact, but from the artistry invested in its production. By considering the material, processes, and social context of its creation, we can truly appreciate the depth and complexity of this image.