Hara c. 1832 - 1833

Utagawa Hiroshige made this print, Hara, using woodblocks and colored inks. The process is a relief printmaking method, where the areas that are not meant to be printed are carved away, leaving the design raised on the block. This technique has a long history in East Asia, predating its use in Europe by centuries. Here, the flat planes of color and the crisp lines are a direct result of this method. Think about the labor involved: each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved. The registration, ensuring each color aligns perfectly, demands exceptional skill. The very nature of woodblock printing lends itself to a graphic style, where clarity and precision are paramount. Yet, Hiroshige masterfully uses this technique to capture the atmospheric perspective and the vastness of the landscape, creating a sense of depth with simple means. This work invites us to consider the intersection of craft, art, and the social context of its production.