Print 1757 - 1820

This print was made in Japan by Kubo Shunman, who died in 1820. It’s made using a technique called woodblock printing, where each color you see is carefully carved into a separate block of wood. What's interesting about this print is the way it presents a slice of everyday life, elevating it to the level of art. You can almost feel the texture of the paper and imagine the artist carefully layering each color, one after the other. The keyblock outlines are made first, and then other blocks are registered and carved to apply different colors. It takes skill, precision and time to get it right. When you look closely, you can see the effect of labor, and the tradition of ukiyo-e printmaking. Ultimately, this print reminds us of the value of craft, the beauty of the everyday, and the importance of recognizing the skills and traditions behind even the simplest of images.