Traditional Japanese Wood Prints

Japanese woodblock prints are a traditional style of Asian art.

Japanese woodblock prints are a popular form of artwork. While this form of art has roots in ancient Japan and began in the eighth century, it has heavily influenced the art produced by European and American artists since the nineteenth century. Along with providing insight regarding traditional Japanese views on the human body, women, religion and other important themes, Japanese woodblock prints are exceptionally beautiful and fine pieces of art.

The Making of Japanese Woodblock Prints

While in more modern times one artist is responsible, in the old tradition a team of generally four people worked together to create a woodblock print. Until the nineteenth century, an artist would begin by drawing a design, called a "hanshita-e." This drawing was dampened, pasted upon the wood block and then carved by an engraver. The engraver had to be exceptionally skilled and dexterous, since one small mistake would be irreversible. Blocks were made for each color. A printer would then rub ink along the wood blocks, put the blocks together to form a picture and make prints.

Materials Used

The multistep process of creating a traditional Japanese wood block print requires many tools. For carving, carving tools and sharpening stones are necessary. The artist also needs a block of wood. For the ink, colors are produced from powdered pigments mixed with a 50/50 mix of alcohol and water. A tool called a "baren," which is a coil of braided bamboo, is used to get the ink or colored pigment onto the paper by pressing the paper against the inked wood block. For the print, traditional printers used hand-made paper called "washi," which is generally made from mulberry.

Common Images in Japanese Woodblock Prints

Traditional Japanese wood block prints explore a variety of different themes and depict many types of images. Landscapes and views of the ocean are frequently captured by woodblock prints. Many prints feature people and scenes. The feel of Japanese prints can vary from a relaxed depiction of beauty to an intensely violent scene. For instance, many prints that depict women highlight feminine beauty and capture the details of traditional Japanese clothes in peaceful settings. In sharp contrast to that feel are the prints of warriors with fierce faces, depicted with bold colors and action poses.

Other Uses of Japanese Prints

While traditional Japanese woodblock prints were often appreciated for their beauty and praised as art, printing also served an important role in media and spreading messages. Woodblock often had a role as public service announcements and conveyed vital themes such as the introduction of diseases to Japan from foreigners and the spread of disease. Many prints embraced religious themes, such as Shinto or Buddhist deities who, depending on the condition, were responsible for the disease or helped fight against it. Many prints often related to women's health, and depicted changing Japanese attitudes toward pregnancy and childbirth.

References

• Artelino: Japanese Prints
• Asian Art Mall: Japanese Woodblock Prints
• Arts and Designs of Japan
• University of California, San Francisco: UCSF Japanese Woodblock Print Collection

Resources

• Wood Block: Process of Making My Print