Edo Moku-hanga

Woodblock print technique in Japan, has been growing for about 1200 years, and developed itself into Ukiyoe-hanga (Ukiyoe woodblock print) in the 17th century. Ukiyoe was widely accepted among ordinary people as one of typical popular cultures of the Edo period through Edo Moku-hanga (woodblock prints)technique, in which the pictures of famous painters, including Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, were engraved on woodcuts, and they were printed on paper. Ukiyoe is popular as a symbol of Japonisme abroad, and due to this, many cheap machine print editions are circulated. However, it is only Edo Moku-hanga technique that can create true Ukiyoe and convey the Ukiyoe’s true appeal. Production processes are executed by Horishi (carvers) and Surishi (printers) in division of labor, and the highest-grade Washi, called Echizen-kizu-hoshoshi, is used. Multicolor print is possible for more than hundred colors, and a Horishi carves appropriate number of woodcuts according to the number of colors. Paints give different impressions when looked at and printed on Washi. That is why a Surishi checks the Washi texture that varies according to temperature and humidity, and prints different colors in layers. The true charms of Ukiyoe are reproduced in our time, and are depicting the realistic feeling more vividly than reality with subtle shades, created by the skilled craftsmen’s color sense and the power adjustment of a Baren (rubbing pad).