Voorbereidingen voor het poppenfeest 1785 - 1800

This print, made in the late 18th century by Katsukawa Shunchō, is a woodblock print, made with ink and color on paper. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred onto a woodblock, usually cherry. From there, the printer carves away the areas that will not be inked, inking and pressing the paper to transfer the image. Because each color requires a separate block, producing this image of women preparing for a doll festival, would have required careful planning, and relied on the coordination of skills of the artist, carver, and printer. When we consider the labor involved, we can see it isn't just about depicting everyday life, but capturing the artistic, commercial, and cultural environment of Edo-period Japan. The division of labor necessary to produce each print gives us insight into this society. Paying attention to the materials, processes, and social context helps us to understand this artwork more fully, breaking down traditional ideas about what is considered 'high art'.