The Karasu River at Takasaki Station- (Actor Mimasu Daigorō IV as) Tabakoya Genshichi Possibly 1852

Utagawa Kunisada produced this woodblock print of actor Mimasu Daigorō IV in the role of Tabakoya Genshichi. The printmaking process has imbued the artwork with cultural significance. To produce the print, the artist first carved a master block, and then additional blocks for each color. The process required great precision, labor, and a collaborative effort between the artist, carver, and printer. Each block was carefully aligned and printed onto paper, layer by layer, to create the final image. The texture of the paper, the registration of colors, and the subtle variations in ink density all speak to the handcraft involved. The patterns on the actor’s robe, the rendering of his features, and the landscape in the background demonstrate a mastery of technique. The work invites us to consider the skilled traditions that intersect with fine art. It bridges the gap between labor, politics, consumption, and the artistic process.