Woodblock Printing Process - A Japan Journey

Рет қаралды 803,013

Күн бұрын

Tokyo-based woodblock printmaker David Bull narrates a video showing the step-by-step process of making one of the woodblock prints in the 2019 subscription series 'A Japan Journey', designed by Jed Henry.
This image is the August print - Summer Tea Fields - and is being made by our young printer Natsuki Suga.
Subscription information:
mokuhankan.com/subscriptions/
The Mokuhankan Twitch channel:
/ japaneseprintmaking
The Patreon:
/ mokuhankan
The Mokuhankan website:
mokuhankan.com
Note: although the series is being produced one by one during the course of 2019, we intend to keep the set of prints in production for many years, so if you are coming to this page at some future date, it should still be available!
00:00 Introduction
02:06 1/10 - Background Orange
03:35 2/10 - Keyblock
04:34 3/10 - Sky Blue and Shadows
05:49 4/10 - Green
07:13 5/10 - Shadows
08:26 6/10 - More Shadows
09:29 7/10 - Darker Green
10:48 8/10 - Tree Shadows
11:35 9/10 - Foreground Shadows
12:32 10/10 - Blue Sky Gradation
13:49 11/10 - Embossing
14:11 Slideshow

Пікірлер: 396

@pinstripe7839 5 жыл бұрын

It always amazes me how every subsequent impression is always perfectly alligned.

@beruman 5 жыл бұрын

look at the parts they cover with the metal tool (orange) those are notches to rest and align the paper. pretty clever method

@pinstripe7839 5 жыл бұрын

@@beruman Wait whoa! I thought that thing was just to keep the paper from touching the block where it shouldn't! That's brilliant!

@dracoflame3921 3 жыл бұрын

@@beruman Even still that it was carved to all perfectly lineup with all the other blocks

@davidbaker9923 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, there really is a kinda zen about it.

@matthewdecarlo 2 жыл бұрын

IYeah lYeah Lou

@earthcarino5993 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for not adding music. So relaxing to watch

@SunDevi1s66 3 жыл бұрын

I like the music actually!

@matheusmeliano 2 жыл бұрын

True man!

@lin_chu2576 2 жыл бұрын

Right?? His voice is so calming too!

@Agent-ie3uv Жыл бұрын

@@SunDevi1s66 open your own music tab then we DON'T LIKE jarring music on this relaxing video.

@ab-hx8qe 3 жыл бұрын

It absolutely blows my mind how effortless she makes lining up the print with the block, and with how clean the final outcome turns out in spite of how messy the process looks to a layman. Honestly, it feels like watching a magic trick.

@chenchemeng 8 ай бұрын

There's something really ASMR about this.

@xxnl510xx 5 жыл бұрын

Omg this is like Bob Ross of woodblock yesss

@Jake-dq2xw 4 жыл бұрын

Block Ross

@deeprince8856 4 жыл бұрын

iidxfan hahahaha!!! ❤️🔥😂

@cokonutraw8800 2 ай бұрын

Beat the shinigami out of it 🖌️

@JedHenry 5 жыл бұрын

I feel so grateful and blessed to design for your team, Dave. Suga-san and Cameron are wonderful people to work with!

@seseragistudio 5 жыл бұрын

We couldn't do it without you, Jed-san! Everybody here is very grateful for your skill at coming up with designs worth making into these prints!

@genekwagmyrsingh9433 5 жыл бұрын

Your Metroid print is ill my friend, my local library has a copy for lending that I often borrow.

@seseragistudio 5 жыл бұрын

How does this work? Where is this happening? I'd like to know more about it ... (not in a negative way; I'd like to encourage this sort of thing ...)

@johnoleson3589 5 жыл бұрын

@@genekwagmyrsingh9433 Wow. Don't think my local Indiana library has anything like that. Never thought to ask though.......

@WhamBamBoozler 5 жыл бұрын

I cant wait to get my hands on "Times Burn Bright" in September. Your designs are amazing sir!

@ultraali453 10 күн бұрын

This is beyond my expectation. I did not expect woodblock printing to be this intriguing.

@FirefoxisredExplorerisblueGoog 5 жыл бұрын

Hey David, I wasn't sure where to post this so I'm just gonna put it here. I got the 2 prints I ordered last week in the mail today and instead of doing house chores like a responsible adult I've spent the last 5 hours thinking about how I'm going to frame them, what to save up for next, day dreaming and watching more of your videos. This is the first art I've bought for my home and it certainly won't be the last :). My thanks to you, Atsushi Kawai, Chiharu Kanai and the rest of the staff for bringing me the lovely Owl in Moonlight and At the Hot Spring prints.

@Sonic-gy7kq 3 жыл бұрын

Not only what he is doing is art, but these videos are art aswell.

@JohnAmoss 5 жыл бұрын

That used to be 'my' bench :-) Go, Suga-san! Absolutely right re: printing keyblocks after large colors to minimize bleed from dark ink- I've even printed the keyblock last. An important consideration IMO: I'd suggest that folks create proofs first to confirm registration.

@deeboseph 4 жыл бұрын

I think one of the best feelings is watching somebody who loves something so much that they have dedicated themselves to become great at it. No matter what the work is, when someone is at this high a level you can't help but respect it and have some of their passion rub off on you while watching. Inspiring stuff

@JT-zx2yb 2 жыл бұрын

It's kinda strange to see him speaking English. I was like 'How could this craftsman speak English perfectly? Oh wait he's a Canadian'. I saw him several times on Japanese TV shows where he spoke only Japanese and explained the subtlety of woodblock printing, and I kinda forgot he was from a foreign country lol Much respect for David. He started woodblock printing at the age of 35 and yet his enthusiasm and dedication made him a great artist

@mightaziez 3 жыл бұрын

Dave's hair: my past Dave's beard: my future

@AvengerDK 5 жыл бұрын

I am also giving these prints an 11/10. Keep up the good work.

@DeviprasadPatra 3 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/est5m6ppsri2n6s.html Please click on this to watch the documentary on bagru/wood block print work

@Agent-ie3uv Жыл бұрын

I knew its the number of steps not quality rating but whatev 🙄🙄

@kisuke7764 5 жыл бұрын

I love how passionate you are about this job and how hard you've worked to be here. Good luck! 🙂😁

@tiffany200227 4 жыл бұрын

I loved this. The commentary, the art, the filming. Everything. Thank you for teaching me things!

@LolaTarantula 5 жыл бұрын

I wish this was my job! It looks very focused and peaceful with the repetition and has such a beautiful result.

@jackquentin1950 4 жыл бұрын

I kinda wish so too! I'm a bit of a neurotic so these types of peaceful, low stress jobs are perfect for me.

@Saundaz666 5 жыл бұрын

Incredible process. How the paper is lined up perfectly on every impression is beyond me!

@blindboymusic8262 5 жыл бұрын

G_Star Think they have registration pegs to keep things even or some such.

@illusiveman3325 5 жыл бұрын

@@blindboymusic8262 marks on lower right corner, lower straight and upper straight&corner. Later two are just pencil lines that may be even be used as early as aligning sketch to cut the block.

@ultraali453 10 күн бұрын

Yes, so effortlessly.

@Fadilanse 4 жыл бұрын

I can't even paint that and you carve that??? that's humbling, and it's amazing

@-_._._- 3 жыл бұрын

This had me glued to my chair the whole time. Very interesting process, and this woman is quite an artisan.

@stankbuddha 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you a million times over for making these videos! They are SO fun to watch this art is mesmerizing!

@yaya804 2 жыл бұрын

David's voice, his talent and story telling ability make this channel so wonderfully relaxing and interesting. I fall asleep easily but never on David 😍

@anthonywitman9934 2 жыл бұрын

I am a printer. I run a Heidelberg 6 color printing press. I am absolutely fascinated by this process done by hand.

@creatureencounters3897 3 жыл бұрын

This channel is my new happy place

@jefaslb 5 жыл бұрын

Again with great work, on the video but especially on the production of the print. Congrats to all Mokuhankan team :D

@clintwinchester4019 2 жыл бұрын

This cat loves this stuff. I appreciate this.

@eggy68 5 жыл бұрын

This was lovely. The power and precision of Suga-San's hands was a joy to watch.

@mr.meeseeks8567 5 жыл бұрын

5 seconds in and asmr hit me. Always love your videos Dave.

@johnoleson3589 5 жыл бұрын

Unintentional ASMR is the best.

@johnmartinez7440 5 жыл бұрын

I've no idea when I subscribed to this channel, probably through some KZfaq recommendation/I love Japan. Love the videos either way!

@jessholz3268 5 жыл бұрын

Really nice the precision of the carver, the mastery of the artist to work on the painting....what a precision and of course the edition of the video...really nice....

@projekt6_official 5 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love this channel. Dave, you, Jed, and all of your staff have a fantastic thing going with this channel and the art you create. Thank you so much for sharing!

@rehanbegone6670 5 жыл бұрын

So happy to see new content from your channel! Thanks for all the hard work you put into these videos!!!

@jbzrs 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for gracing me with your presence at a dark hour in my life

@RichPaulPrimero 5 жыл бұрын

Just had to say I love these process videos. This one in particular is well shot and well explained. And of course an awesome print job! Fantastic.

@Madlocust1985 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful insightful video on how the traditional Japanese woodblock printing process is being done today, very comprehensive explanation, Cameron did a great job making this, thank you Dave !

@TheMadisonMachine 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful. I love the color palette, and its simple shapes combined with subtle details.

@NickVenture1 Жыл бұрын

Well done. Everything. I'll get wood to make a first trial. Just a single color. Inspired by this video.

@allamaadi 5 жыл бұрын

Wonderful. Blessed as always to see briefly into the world of Japanese printing through the work of you and your team.

@dreams.of.dyeing 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad KZfaq suggested these for me.. you’re like the Bob Ross of carving and printing

@uno9915 Жыл бұрын

I had no clue what woodblock printing was prior but I've watched this video like 15 times cuz it's so relaxing

@hitokage4 5 жыл бұрын

This was a lovely watch, as always. The piece itself is beautiful and the printing exquisite as always.

@genekwagmyrsingh9433 5 жыл бұрын

Every David Bull video day is a great day.

@Fisk4life 5 жыл бұрын

Such a beautiful and well edited video. Thank you for all you post.

@tiggerhc 3 жыл бұрын

Literally been following your journey from your experiences in Japan from years ago. I'm very happy that you have become a youtube presence in the modern age. Good stuff!

@gabrielacorbera999 3 жыл бұрын

Dear David and Natsuki, thank you for blessing my year with such an incredible video that has educated me on the woodblock printing processing in Japan. As an avid enthusiast for Katsushika Hokusai, you both have touched my heart to pieces bringing to light a 17th century process. Even the indigo blue in the Blue Sky Gradation, brought me back to the indigo in the Mount Fuji Series. Hope to visit you all in Tokyo in the future...Thank you so much.

@ThoseWhoDare 4 жыл бұрын

I am so amazed to see this process of creating japanese woodblock prints. I have acquired some in Kyoto and later on internet auctions without being aware of the complicated process of the prints. Thanks for your educating videos 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

@normmcrae1140 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work! I can only imagine how much work it took the carver to perfectly align EVERY single line in EVERY single plate! It looks like this style may have inspired Art Deco - the effect is very similar, although obviously this process would be much older.

@natasho4835 5 жыл бұрын

I swear if it wasn’t for DAVID BULL absolute legend

@Mysterymelmoth 5 жыл бұрын

Oh my god I love the the steps compilation at the end! the way the colors come in creates almost an illuion of parts of the print shiting and moveing!

@AdnanKhan-le2lx 4 жыл бұрын

Recently in history I study about Japan woodblock painting and now I see this awesome .

@alonsorojas3829 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the work put into making this video as detailed as it is, amazing!

@eddvcr598 5 жыл бұрын

I just found your channel today, and I’m thrilled by all your wonderful videos! I love Shin Hanga, and this step by step was so interesting to see. Please keep up the wonderful work!!

@RoseKindred 5 жыл бұрын

Every time I watch one of your videos I want to give this amazing artwork a try. I have learned some interesting history along the way.

@stephmo371 3 жыл бұрын

I've never seen printing like this. This is incredible. Big kudos

@fisheatinweasel 5 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! Cameron: It was so nice to meet you. It was an honor to have you in my garden. I hope you captured the dragonfly. I look happily forward to our next time.

@cameronhilker2532 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me drop by that day!

@chopsticks9984 2 жыл бұрын

We digital artists still use this technique today, we call the sets "Layers", and sometimes even simple looking images can have a dozen or more. But to see it done successfully and carefully on paper printing is astounding.

@ReeTM 5 жыл бұрын

I really like the premise to the video, thank you for the narration, Dave. Great upload!

@davebanister6310 5 жыл бұрын

Bringing such colors together is a melody. Tyvm

@ReallyGoodBadBoy 2 жыл бұрын

I love the new direction Charles Manson has gone in! Awesome show! Great Job Charlie! 👍

@marieb6016 5 жыл бұрын

All of your prints are so beautiful, but this one is doubly so....like you have captured the essence of summer! Wonderful video as well, thankyou for sharing with us. such a captivating craft

@Ysylla5 5 жыл бұрын

I love the colors in this print.

@deeprince8856 4 жыл бұрын

Such a calming voice. Great energy flow as well.

@RS-iv9rk 5 жыл бұрын

quietly stunning! i loved every moment of this video. thanks for sharing this amazing process.

@GlassesnMouthplates 5 жыл бұрын

I'm always amazed on how the paper, despite being thin, will only pick up the embossed part of the block while completely avoiding any pigment residue from the leveled down sections. Truly it takes skills to work on the prints without tearing nor staining them.

@666Otomo Жыл бұрын

This is so inspiring to watch. As a book collector of works by Hokusai, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Kuniyoshi and other masters, this is amazing! Thank you for sharing!

@katjann2449 Жыл бұрын

More videos please!! Thanks for all this beatiful workshops! Hugs from Perú!

@beretperson 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another great video! I'm always amazed at how the paper goes through all that without any harm, in my hands it wouldn't survive the first step without all kinds of creases!

@titaniumdiveknife 3 жыл бұрын

David Bull. You are a great, a very great artist. God bless you!

@kdbrown777 5 жыл бұрын

11/10 would buy this.

@marionjoy9475 3 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this video. This is an informative and professional process from start to finish. Thank you so much for making it available.

@Tine_of_Nice_Dreams 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work and such a well made video to share the whole process. Thank you for putting in the effort to share!

@bryantsteury8910 5 жыл бұрын

I seriously fall asleep while I'm learning. It's the greatest feeling.

@a.x.marcus4627 3 жыл бұрын

Invaluable documentation of the process, thank you so much for sharing.

@stevestruthers6180 2 ай бұрын

What a beautiful print, and a talented artist.

@pinkgoth6 2 жыл бұрын

wow the color inside the lines matched perfectly with no overlay or missing space

@komitadjie 5 жыл бұрын

I just stumbled across this in the past few days, I've never even thought that you could get this level of colour performance or detail out of a carved wood block print! I'd have sworn that picture was made on a high-end inkjet system, if asked. This is amazing, I love woodworking, but I'd never realized this kind of thing was possible. :) Thank you for the window into a very cool profession!

@henshaus 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoy the process that you share.

@awldune 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful print here. This was a great series for Jed to show his artistic range without the gimmick of video games or pop culture.

@thornessa 3 жыл бұрын

it's really cool how she places the sheet of paper perfectly every time

@orlandoaraujo2934 5 жыл бұрын

So lovely work! Thanks for sharing!

@Cheeseboiga 4 жыл бұрын

i don't know how i got here, but the technique behind the art was something i thought simple until now. keep up the good work David, documenting art and history is crucial to the future

@desdelsur86 3 жыл бұрын

What a carful and pleasant flow to describe that awesome master craft. Thank you.

@eoinsirreverentaccount7385 5 жыл бұрын

Another great video david thank you!!

@notactualwhiskey 3 жыл бұрын

The Bob Ross of woodblock printing

@Jamerton1 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing. Thank you for sharing your art.

@vampiremo193 2 жыл бұрын

I had to watch this for my report and thanks to you, it’s almost done 💃🏻

@iiLouixie 4 жыл бұрын

I am glad to come across this video. So beautiful to watch!

@StonyRC 3 жыл бұрын

Only in Japan could something so truly sublime occur!

@Thom176 Жыл бұрын

So awesome! I love the image

@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort 5 жыл бұрын

Is this Christmas? In July? Just watched a bunch of your videos before bed and woke up to new treasure. Thank you all.

@Turkeyrolls 3 жыл бұрын

So relaxing

@imadon1989 Жыл бұрын

This is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

@davidrgee 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful, thank you so much for sharing

@debbiewicks5955 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for nicely illustrating how each element of the process works 🙏

@ragtie6177 3 жыл бұрын

Simply phenomenal. Loved this video. Thank you Andy for the recommendation. Subscribed

@krsp420 5 жыл бұрын

The gradation is fantastic. wow

@I_luv_my_fans 4 жыл бұрын

This is so clever. So precise. You sir are a master.

@arthurtheartist9126 5 жыл бұрын

Had a great time finally visiting mokuhankan after watching your videos. It was a delightful experience and beautifully put together. I may have been a bit awkward in person lol, but I was very excited to meet you in person and see your work. (I’m Arthur from the US) Anyway, hopefully I’ll be able to swing by one more time before I leave, but again thank you very much and I will recommend!