Picture of a man of Nankin

Art Historical Context

**Picture of a Man ofankin** by Kuwagataisai (1789) is a captivating woodblock print from Japan's Edo period (16151868), showcasing the artist's skill in the ukiyo-e tradition—"pictures of the floating world." intimate work, measuring 10 x 14 7/8 inches, uses ink and color on paper depict a man from Nankin (an old name for Nanjing, China possibly a merchant or traveler, alongside lambs. Created through the meticulous woodblock process—involving carved blocks for each color layer—it reflects the era's innovative printing techniques that made art accessible to everyday people. During the Edo pe...