Vrouw buigend over Yamabuki struik 1887 - 1896

Ogata Gekko made this print of a woman bending over a Yamabuki shrub. It’s a woodblock print, made by carving an image in relief, applying ink, and pressing paper against the block. The visual effect is subtle. Notice how the falling rain is suggested by the absence of ink. Woodblock prints like this one were often made in multiples, to satisfy a growing appetite for art among the middle classes. This one would have been relatively inexpensive, but the artistry involved was considerable. Different blocks were needed for each color, requiring precise alignment. The final print is a testament to the artistry involved, and to the cultural and economic forces at play during the artist's time. It reminds us that even seemingly simple works of art can be complex products of labor, materials, and historical context.