Ladies behind screen in a daimyo's mansion n.d.

Utagawa Toyokuni I made this woodblock print, *Ladies behind screen in a daimyo's mansion*, using multiple blocks of wood. Each block would have been meticulously carved to represent a different color or element of the design. The labor involved in creating these prints was extensive. Skilled artisans carved the woodblocks, applied ink, and carefully pressed the paper to create each impression. The quality of the lines, the registration of colors, and the overall aesthetic depended on the expertise of these craftspeople, who were part of a well-established system of workshops, in which each artisan had an expertise. Here, the flat planes of color and simplified forms create an image that's both elegant and accessible. The attention to detail in the women's robes contrasts with the background landscape. In understanding the history and processes behind this artwork, we can begin to appreciate the social and cultural context in which it was created. The print is not just an image, but a testament to the skill and labor of the artisans who made it possible.