Serveerster van het Matsu Higashiya theehuis 1795 - 1800

Kitagawa Utamaro's "Server of the Matsu Higashiya Teahouse" is a woodblock print, a medium requiring immense skill and labor. Utamaro would have begun by meticulously carving his design into a block of wood, then applying ink before pressing paper to transfer the image. See how the lines are so clean and distinct? Each color requires a separate block, demanding precise registration. Look closely at the server's kimono - notice the subtle gradations and crispness of the pattern. These details reflect the artistry involved in creating the print. Woodblock printing was a commercial enterprise, relying on skilled artisans to meet public demand for imagery. These prints were not unique objects, but part of a larger system of production and consumption. So, as you admire the delicate beauty of this print, also consider the labor and craftsmanship that went into its making. Don't you think this changes how you see it?