Drawing the First Water of the New Year 1769 - 1770

This print, "Drawing the First Water of the New Year" was made by Suzuki Harunobu, most likely sometime in the mid-18th century. It is made with woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e,* a painstaking process that requires immense skill. First, an image is drawn and transferred to a woodblock, then carved in relief. Ink is then applied, and the block is pressed onto paper. Multiple blocks are required for a multicolor image like this, each carefully aligned to create the final composition. The paper itself also contributes to the overall effect. It is thin and absorbent, allowing the ink to saturate the fibers and create soft, delicate colors. When you look at this print, consider the labor involved in its creation: the artist who designed the image, the carvers who painstakingly cut the blocks, and the printers who carefully applied the ink and pressed the paper. These artisans were often anonymous, their contributions overlooked in favor of the artist's name. Appreciating *ukiyo-e* involves recognizing the collaborative nature of its production, and valuing the skill and labor of all those involved.