Dix petits sujets japonais c. 1888

Henri-Charles Guérard created *Dix petits sujets japonais*, or 'Ten Little Japanese Subjects', using etching, a printmaking process that involves biting lines into a metal plate with acid. This print showcases the late 19th-century European fascination with Japanese art and culture, known as Japonisme. The material qualities of this print – the grainy texture of the paper and the delicate lines of the etching – evoke the aesthetic of Japanese woodblock prints that were popular at the time. However, the labor and processes involved in creating an etching are quite different from those of woodblock printing. Etching is a more industrial process, requiring specialized tools and materials, and often involving collaboration between artist and printer. The making of this print, therefore, reflects the complex relationship between European artists and Japanese culture during this period. It’s not just a straightforward adoption of Japanese aesthetics, but rather a translation and transformation of those aesthetics through the lens of European industrial production. By considering the materials and processes involved, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural exchanges and power dynamics that shaped this artwork.