An Elegant Parody of the Six Poetic Immortals (Furyu yatsushi rokkasen): The Priest Kisen c. 1793

This woodblock print, 'An Elegant Parody of the Six Poetic Immortals: The Priest Kisen' was created by Chōbunsai Eishi. Through labor-intensive processes, Eishi printed layers of color onto paper to create this image. The flat planes and clean lines indicate the use of carved woodblocks, with each color requiring a separate block. The registration, or alignment, of these blocks was crucial. This print wasn’t just made by Eishi: it’s the product of a workshop, with skilled block carvers and printers all contributing. The smooth paper invites us to appreciate the delicate colors and the composition. Note the contrast between the solid blacks of the woman's robe and the soft yellows of the background and the geometric pattern of the woven basket. The attention to detail – the subtle gradations of color, the crispness of the lines – testifies to the skills involved in traditional Japanese printmaking. Considering the materials and processes reveals the collective labor behind this beautiful artwork and its place in a broader social and economic context.