Grosbeak and woodpecker c. 1796

Kitagawa Utamaro’s Grosbeak and woodpecker, now in the Rijksmuseum, was made in Japan using woodblock printing. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred to a block of wood, usually cherry. The areas around the lines are carved away, leaving a raised surface that will receive the ink. This block is then inked, and a sheet of paper is laid on top. By rubbing the back of the paper with a tool called a baren, the ink is transferred, creating the print. Each color requires a separate block, demanding great skill to ensure precise alignment. Look closely, and you'll see how Utamaro used the inherent qualities of ink and paper to capture the textures of feathers, bark, and pine needles. The flat, graphic style is a product of the medium, but also reflects a conscious aesthetic choice. Utamaro was not just an artist, but a key figure in a complex system of workshops and publishers. Appreciating the labor and expertise involved challenges any assumptions about a strict divide between art and craft.