Matsumoto Ai Using Judo to Drive Away Four Would-be Rapists 1875

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi produced this woodblock print depicting Matsumoto Ai in action, likely sometime in the late 19th century. Woodblock prints like this one were not unique works of art, but rather products of a complex collaborative process. The artist would create the original design, which was then meticulously carved into woodblocks by skilled artisans. Different blocks were used for each color, requiring precise alignment to achieve the final image. Look closely and you can appreciate the labor involved. The clean lines, the subtle gradations of color, and the dynamic composition, all speak to a sophisticated understanding of materials and process. This print isn't just a representation; it's an object deeply embedded in a specific mode of production, one that balanced artistic vision with technical skill. It’s a potent reminder that art doesn't emerge from thin air, but from the hands of workers, and from a system that values both creativity and craft.