Court Lady Asaoka Watching a Mouse on a Screen c. 1875 - 1876

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock print of Court Lady Asaoka towards the end of the 19th century. The artist skillfully employs the medium of woodblock printing to evoke a sense of materiality and social context. The flat planes and bold outlines are inherent to the printing process, emphasizing the surface quality of the print itself. The intricate patterns on the lady’s kimono and the delicate rendering of her features reveal the meticulous craftsmanship involved. Yoshitoshi likely engaged with skilled artisans, who would have carved the woodblocks and applied the various colors with precision. The repetitive nature of printmaking, with its potential for mass production, hints at the burgeoning capitalism of the era. Yet, the level of artistry involved elevates the print beyond mere commodity, embedding it with cultural significance. This print challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry, labor, and social context embedded within its very creation.