Here’s a wonderful book illustrating the traditional moku hanga printing process as practiced in Japan. The title of this booklet is misleading somewhat since it has nothing to do with current understanding of what wood engraving is. What is described is the beautiful process of making a multi-coloured wood block print, likely made with cherry wood. Every stage towards achieving a multi-coloured print is illustrated step by step. Holding this book reveals the embossed printing surface on every page. Amazing that the publishers produced each copy manually in this manner.
The term “moku hanga,” meaning “woodblock print,” describes a centuries-old printing method in Japan. A major part of Japanese art and culture, moku hanga is known for its elaborate workmanship, vivid colours, and distinctive style. The process of woodblock printing entails hand-carving designs onto wooden blocks, then applying ink or pigment, and finally transferring the pattern to paper.
The Japonisme movement of the nineteenth century brought widespread attention to the method as Japanese prints inspired Western artists such as Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.
Moku hanga is a type of woodblock printing that uses water-based pigments and manual pressure with a baren, unlike the oil-based inks and printing presses typical in Western woodblock printing.
Conventional moku hanga makes use of things found in nature, like:
Plank-grain wood blocks: The most common types are cherry, magnolia, or shina plywood.
Pigments: These come from things like plants and minerals.
Handmade Japanese washi paper, which is strong and absorbent, is the material used.
Moku hanga is renowned for its layered colour effects and delicate gradients. Prints are created by precisely aligning the blocks, a procedure known as kento registration, and each colour needs its own block.
Historically, the artist, carver, printer, and publisher would all work together on a moku hanga.
The artist sketches out a concept, typically on very thin paper.
- Carving Blocks: The pattern is inscribed onto pieces of wood. The design’s colours are cut out of individual blocks, with the raised regions standing in for the printed components.
- Inking: The blocks are painted with water-based paints using brushes. Achieving the desired consistency and transparency is achieved by mixing the pigments with rice paste (nor).
- Printing: Once the inked block is prepared, damp washi paper is placed on top and the image is transferred by applying pressure with a baren. The kento system guarantees exact alignment as this process is repeated for every colour block.
- After the print is complete, it is allowed to dry. This process creates a colourful and multi-layered artwork.
Moku hanga is strongly linked to ukiyo-e, which immortalized the vivacity of urban life throughout the Edo period. The medium of ukiyo-e was popularized by renowned artists such as Hiroshige and Hokusai, who created The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
The method embodies the Japanese principles of tranquilly with the natural world, accuracy, and patience. There is a strong bond to tradition in the use of natural materials and the contemplative, tactile method.
Although moku hanga fell out of favour when modern printing techniques emerged, it has recently seen a renaissance in the hands of contemporary artists who value it for its tactile qualities and eco-friendliness.
Contemporary artists all across the globe continue to practice moku hanga, fusing traditional methods with contemporary themes. While maintaining the core principles of their trade, modern practitioners frequently explore new materials and forms. Groups like the International Mokuhanga Association host conferences, workshops, and exhibitions to spread the word about this ancient art form.