Tamatsushima c. 1810 - 1839

"Tamatsushima," by Totoya Hokkei, was made around the early 19th century. It's a woodblock print, a process intimately tied to the urban culture of Japan at the time. The visual impact hinges on the texture of the paper and ink. Notice the way the lines define the figure, yet also blend softly, creating a sense of depth. This wasn't achieved with a single stamp, but with multiple blocks, each applying a different color in precise registration. The production of these prints involved the labor of artists, block cutters, and printers, working in a system much like a modern workshop. Woodblock prints democratized art, making it accessible to a wider audience, reflecting the vibrant, consumerist society that was emerging in Japan. Appreciating this print isn't just about admiring the image, but also about understanding the labor and cultural context embedded in its very creation.