Yamabe no Akahito (active 724–736), One of the Three Gods of Poetry From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1 1820s

This print of Yamabe no Akahito, one of the three Gods of Poetry, was made by Yashima Gakutei in Japan sometime between 1810 and 1840. It's a woodblock print, a technique known as *nishiki-e*, or brocade picture, because of its vibrant, layered colors. Imagine the artistry involved. Each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved. The paper itself, likely *washi*, adds to the effect. Its long fibers create a texture that softens the image, contrasting with the sharp lines of the poet’s robe, which is decorated with maple leaves. Woodblock printing in Japan was a highly developed commercial industry. The designs were created by one artist, but then carved and printed by artisans who were masters in their own right. This division of labor is typical of early capitalism, and allowed for both artistic expression and mass production. The print’s value isn’t just in the image, but in the skilled labor, the traditions, and the economic systems that brought it into being. Recognizing this history helps us look beyond conventional distinctions between art, craft, and industry.