Nakamura Utaemon III holds bonsai tree c. 1808 - 1811

This print of Nakamura Utaemon III holding a bonsai tree was made by Utagawa Toyokuni I, using woodblock printing. Woodblock printing, or Ukiyo-e, was a painstaking, multi-stage process. The artist would create a design, which was then meticulously carved into a block of wood, usually cherry. Ink was applied, and then paper laid on the block and rubbed to transfer the image. Each color required a separate block, demanding exceptional precision. The resulting print celebrates both the actor and the tradition of bonsai, where cultivating miniature trees is an act of patience and care. This print is interesting because it ties together performance, nature, and labor, as it combines high art and the craft of printing. The image of the actor, the artistry of bonsai, and the labor-intensive printmaking process all contribute to the artwork’s value and meaning, challenging us to reconsider traditional distinctions between art forms.