The “Chinese” Quartermaster 1765

Komatsuya Hyakki created this woodblock print, “The ‘Chinese’ Quartermaster,” in eighteenth-century Japan. Woodblock printing involves a labor-intensive process. The artist first carves a design into a block of wood. Ink is then applied to the raised surfaces, and paper is pressed against the block to transfer the image. The distinct lines and flat planes of color in this print are characteristic of the technique. The materiality influences the visual language, demanding precision in carving and registration. The print depicts a figure in Chinese attire on horseback, attended by a groom. The intricate details of the clothing, horse tack, and facial expressions reveal the artist’s skill. The layering of colors, achieved through multiple blocks, adds depth and complexity to the image. Prints like this one were integral to the flourishing of urban culture, providing a relatively affordable means of artistic expression. They testify to the rich interplay between aesthetics, skilled craftsmanship, and cultural context. This print challenges our understanding of art by reminding us of the social and material conditions of its production.