Making a Japanese woodblock print for Minato City Local History Museum

Summary

This video discusses the creation of an original ukiyo-e woodblock print for a historical museum. The artist focuses on traditional techniques, including the use of mountain cherry wood from the Izu Peninsula, renowned for its quality in the Edo period. The process involves meticulous attention to detail, from carving the design by hand to selecting minimal yet effective colors. The video also touches on the evolution of ukiyo-e printing, incorporating elements like gradient effects and woodblock methods. The artist reflects on the influence of humidity on Japanese printmaking and the accessibility of prints as gifts or keepsakes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator focused on using traditional ukiyo-e techniques to craft a unique original hanger, inspired by the historical collection of the museum.
• 😀 Mountain cherry wood from the Izu Peninsula in Japan was chosen for its suitability in the ukiyo-e method, known for its fine texture and durability.
• 😀 The ideal approach in the Edo period was to craft each print from a single piece of wood to ensure uniformity in shrinkage and distortion.
• 😀 The creator uses a very specific type of wood, the 'yamazakura,' which is known for its tight grain and flexibility, making it suitable for fine engraving.
• 😀 For the current project, the artist created postcards by transferring designs onto thin paper, which were then adhered to wood and carved into prints.
• 😀 The artist creates the artwork entirely on their own, handling the drawing, carving, and printing processes without outsourcing any work.
• 😀 The method of carving used involves sharp tools that allow for fine, hair-thin details, which is a hallmark of traditional Japanese woodblock printing.
• 😀 The artist references the historical development of ukiyo-e, mentioning key figures such as Suzuki Harunobu, who contributed to the introduction of color in prints.
• 😀 The influence of travel and cultural experiences is evident in the artist's work, with an example being their visit to Peru, which heightened their awareness of how environmental factors, like humidity, affect artistic techniques.
• 😀 The artist emphasizes the role of Japan's humid climate in shaping the unique aesthetic and technique of Japanese woodblock printing, especially in terms of gradient effects and subtle color transitions.
• 😀 The finished prints are designed to be accessible and shareable, with the artist highlighting the ability to create multiple copies, allowing the prints to be gifted or used as personal keepsakes.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the script regarding the creation of the historical hanger?

The main focus of the script is on the use of ukiyo-e techniques, particularly the careful selection of mountain cherry wood from the Izu Peninsula, which was traditionally used during the Edo period to create high-quality prints. The process emphasizes the importance of using wood from a single tree for uniformity in shrinkage and distortion.

Why was mountain cherry wood chosen for the creation of the hanger?

Mountain cherry wood was chosen because it is known for its fine grain and durability, which makes it ideal for ukiyo-e prints. It also has a narrow texture and resilience, making it suitable for the delicate carving and printing techniques involved in ukiyo-e.

What is the significance of using wood from a single tree for ukiyo-e prints?

Using wood from a single tree ensures consistency in the shrinkage and distortion rates of the wood, which are crucial for maintaining the quality of the print. This was considered a luxury in the Edo period due to the difficulty and cost of sourcing such wood.

What specific technique is being used in the creation of the prints?

The prints are created through a process where the artist draws the design, transfers it onto thin paper, then adheres it to the wood block. After carving the design into the wood, the block is used to print the image, following traditional ukiyo-e methods of carving and printing.

How does the process differ from traditional ukiyo-e printmaking?

While traditional ukiyo-e was often a collaborative process involving multiple craftsmen (artists, carvers, and printers), the artist in this script is working alone, handling all aspects of the creation—drawing, carving, and printing—to produce a personal work.

How did the artist incorporate modern techniques into the traditional process?

The artist utilized modern conveniences like photocopying to create a postcard-sized design before transferring it to the wood. This made the process more efficient while still adhering to the traditional carving and printing techniques.

What is the significance of the green color used in the print?

The green color is used to symbolize the prominent camphor tree in the front of the building. It serves as a symbolic and artistic element to enhance the representation of the building in the print.

How does humidity affect the ukiyo-e printmaking process, according to the artist?

The artist notes that the humidity in Japan influences the style of ukiyo-e prints, as it affects the way colors blend and create a natural gradient or 'boke' effect. This environmental factor contributes to the distinct look of Japanese prints.

What does the artist suggest about the development of woodblock printing in Japan?

The artist suggests that the development of woodblock printing in Japan was influenced by environmental factors, particularly the dry conditions in places like Peru, which made the artist realize the role of humidity in shaping the techniques used in Japanese printmaking.

What is the advantage of woodblock printing in terms of distribution?

One of the key advantages of woodblock printing is its ability to produce multiple copies of the same design, which can be distributed widely. This makes it easy for the artist to share their work with others, either by giving prints as gifts or selling them.