The Korean Ambassador on His Way to the Capital 1700 - 1756

This print, by Nishimura Shigenaga, was made in Japan, sometime in the first half of the 18th century. It's a woodblock print, meaning that a design was carved in relief from a block of wood, inked, and then printed onto paper. Consider the amount of labor involved: carving the block, preparing the inks, and then the actual printing. This was a complex and sophisticated process, requiring teamwork and skill. Note the flat expanses of color, and the precision of line that defines the figures. The print depicts a Korean ambassador and his retinue, traveling to the Japanese capital. The clothing and regalia of the figures are rendered in careful detail, evidence of a culture of observation and documentation. Woodblock printing in Japan was not just a means of producing art, it was a crucial part of the circulation of information and culture, and it challenges our expectations of fine art. These prints are a reminder that art is not just about individual genius, but is also a product of collective labor and cultural exchange.