(Water gourd and cherry blossoms) c. 19th century

This print, titled “Water gourd and cherry blossoms,” was made by Sesshin using the traditional Japanese technique of woodblock printing. The process starts with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred onto a block of wood, usually cherry. The artist or a specialized block cutter then carves away the negative spaces, leaving the lines and shapes in relief. Color is added by inking different blocks and pressing them onto the paper in precise registration. The flat, graphic quality of the image, the delicate lines, and the subtle variations in color are all testaments to the skill involved. The gourd shape with its calligraphic inscriptions and the sprig of cherry blossoms are typical of Japanese art. This print exemplifies the close relationship between art and craft. It also prompts reflection on the labor and skill invested in its making. We are reminded that aesthetics, even in their most refined forms, are rooted in a physical process of creation.