Woodblock Printing Process - A Japan Journey

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: 392

  • @earthcarino5993
    @earthcarino59934 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for not adding music. So relaxing to watch

  • @SunDevi1s66

    @SunDevi1s66

    2 жыл бұрын

    I like the music actually!

  • @matheusmeliano

    @matheusmeliano

    2 жыл бұрын

    True man!

  • @lin_chu2576

    @lin_chu2576

    2 жыл бұрын

    Right?? His voice is so calming too!

  • @Agent-ie3uv

    @Agent-ie3uv

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @pinstripe7839
    @pinstripe78394 жыл бұрын

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

  • @beruman

    @beruman

    4 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

    @pinstripe7839

    4 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

    @dracoflame3921

    2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @davidbaker9923

    @davidbaker9923

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, there really is a kinda zen about it.

  • @matthewdecarlo

    @matthewdecarlo

    2 жыл бұрын

    IYeah lYeah Lou

  • @ab-hx8qe
    @ab-hx8qe3 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.

  • @xxnl510xx
    @xxnl510xx4 жыл бұрын

    Omg this is like Bob Ross of woodblock yesss

  • @Jake-dq2xw

    @Jake-dq2xw

    4 жыл бұрын

    Block Ross

  • @deeprince8856

    @deeprince8856

    4 жыл бұрын

    iidxfan hahahaha!!! ❤️🔥😂

  • @cokonutraw8800

    @cokonutraw8800

    11 күн бұрын

    Beat the shinigami out of it 🖌️

  • @JedHenry
    @JedHenry4 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

    @seseragistudio

    4 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

    @genekwagmyrsingh9433

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @seseragistudio

    @seseragistudio

    4 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

    @johnoleson3589

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @WhamBamBoozler

    @WhamBamBoozler

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @FirefoxisredExplorerisblueGoog
    @FirefoxisredExplorerisblueGoog4 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.

  • @mr.meeseeks8567
    @mr.meeseeks85674 жыл бұрын

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

  • @johnoleson3589

    @johnoleson3589

    4 жыл бұрын

    Unintentional ASMR is the best.

  • @johnmartinez7440

    @johnmartinez7440

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Sonic-gy7kq
    @Sonic-gy7kq3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @AvengerDK
    @AvengerDK4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @DeviprasadPatra

    @DeviprasadPatra

    2 жыл бұрын

    kzread.info/dash/bejne/dpl9yqlxfbW4n9o.html Please click on this to watch the documentary on bagru/wood block print work

  • @Agent-ie3uv

    @Agent-ie3uv

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Saundaz666
    @Saundaz6664 жыл бұрын

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

  • @blindboymusic8262

    @blindboymusic8262

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @illusiveman3325

    @illusiveman3325

    4 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.

  • @JohnAmoss
    @JohnAmoss4 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.

  • @JT-zx2yb
    @JT-zx2yb 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

  • @deeboseph
    @deeboseph3 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

  • @chenchemeng
    @chenchemeng6 ай бұрын

    There's something really ASMR about this.

  • @mightaziez
    @mightaziez3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @kisuke7764
    @kisuke77644 жыл бұрын

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

  • @hitokage4
    @hitokage44 жыл бұрын

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

  • @eddvcr598
    @eddvcr5984 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!!

  • @alonsorojas3829
    @alonsorojas38294 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Fisk4life
    @Fisk4life4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ReeTM
    @ReeTM4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @davebanister6310
    @davebanister63104 жыл бұрын

    Bringing such colors together is a melody. Tyvm

  • @rehanbegone6670
    @rehanbegone66704 жыл бұрын

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

  • @-_._._-
    @-_._._-2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @LolaTarantula
    @LolaTarantula4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @jackquentin1950

    @jackquentin1950

    3 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.

  • @projekt6_official
    @projekt6_official4 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!

  • @Tine_of_Nice_Dreams
    @Tine_of_Nice_Dreams3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @RS-iv9rk
    @RS-iv9rk4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @TheMadisonMachine
    @TheMadisonMachine4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @stephmo371
    @stephmo3713 жыл бұрын

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

  • @eggy68
    @eggy684 жыл бұрын

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

  • @RoseKindred
    @RoseKindred4 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.

  • @RichPaulPrimero
    @RichPaulPrimero4 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.

  • @stankbuddha
    @stankbuddha4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @tiffany200227
    @tiffany2002273 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ragtie6177
    @ragtie61773 жыл бұрын

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

  • @jefaslb
    @jefaslb4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @desdelsur86
    @desdelsur863 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Mysterymelmoth
    @Mysterymelmoth4 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!

  • @allamaadi
    @allamaadi4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @tiggerhc
    @tiggerhc2 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!

  • @Madlocust1985
    @Madlocust19854 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 !

  • @marionjoy9475
    @marionjoy94753 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.

  • @Jamerton1
    @Jamerton14 жыл бұрын

    This is amazing. Thank you for sharing your art.

  • @Fadilanse
    @Fadilanse4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @marieb6016
    @marieb60164 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

  • @a.x.marcus4627
    @a.x.marcus46272 жыл бұрын

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

  • @deeprince8856
    @deeprince88564 жыл бұрын

    Such a calming voice. Great energy flow as well.

  • @debbiewicks5955
    @debbiewicks59552 жыл бұрын

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

  • @orlandoaraujo2934
    @orlandoaraujo29344 жыл бұрын

    So lovely work! Thanks for sharing!

  • @Ysylla5
    @Ysylla54 жыл бұрын

    I love the colors in this print.

  • @iiLouixie
    @iiLouixie4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @beretperson
    @beretperson4 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
    @titaniumdiveknife2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ThoseWhoDare
    @ThoseWhoDare4 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 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

  • @gabrielacorbera999
    @gabrielacorbera9992 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.

  • @jessholz3268
    @jessholz32684 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....

  • @bryantsteury8910
    @bryantsteury89104 жыл бұрын

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

  • @henshaus
    @henshaus3 жыл бұрын

    Enjoy the process that you share.

  • @genekwagmyrsingh9433
    @genekwagmyrsingh94334 жыл бұрын

    Every David Bull video day is a great day.

  • @imadon1989
    @imadon1989 Жыл бұрын

    This is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

  • @yaya804
    @yaya8042 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 😍

  • @thornessa
    @thornessa3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @kdbrown777
    @kdbrown7774 жыл бұрын

    11/10 would buy this.

  • @davidrgee
    @davidrgee3 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful, thank you so much for sharing

  • @katjann2449
    @katjann2449 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @dreams.of.dyeing
    @dreams.of.dyeing2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @AdnanKhan-le2lx
    @AdnanKhan-le2lx4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @I_luv_my_fans
    @I_luv_my_fans4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @666Otomo
    @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!

  • @creatureencounters3897
    @creatureencounters38973 жыл бұрын

    This channel is my new happy place

  • @stevestruthers6180
    @stevestruthers6180Ай бұрын

    What a beautiful print, and a talented artist.

  • @krsp420
    @krsp4204 жыл бұрын

    The gradation is fantastic. wow

  • @franciscootero8296
    @franciscootero82964 жыл бұрын

    Doing great Mr bull huge fan of all your videos 👍

  • @komitadjie
    @komitadjie4 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!

  • @JamesDeziel
    @JamesDeziel7 ай бұрын

    This makes me happy

  • @eoinsirreverentaccount7385
    @eoinsirreverentaccount73854 жыл бұрын

    Another great video david thank you!!

  • @Thom176
    @Thom176 Жыл бұрын

    So awesome! I love the image

  • @uno9915
    @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

  • @arthurtheartist9126
    @arthurtheartist91264 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!

  • @chompers11
    @chompers112 жыл бұрын

    oh my god that is BEAUTIFUL

  • @natew5544
    @natew55443 жыл бұрын

    i like that slideshow at the end showing the transitions. thanks

  • @Cheeseboiga
    @Cheeseboiga4 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

  • @normmcrae1140
    @normmcrae11403 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.

  • @patricks9704
    @patricks97044 жыл бұрын

    really love your videos david

  • @natasho4835
    @natasho48354 жыл бұрын

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

  • @vampiremo193
    @vampiremo1932 жыл бұрын

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

  • @awldune
    @awldune4 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.

  • @neruoue123
    @neruoue1234 жыл бұрын

    I swear.. I wasnt intending to stay for the whole video but once I started watching next thing I know I have watch it full

  • @clintonscott9623
    @clintonscott96234 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful print. Obvious that experience is valued there....

  • @OkieSketcher1949
    @OkieSketcher19493 жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed the video and I think I now have a better appreciation for the art and the artists. Thank you.

  • @thespectator2976
    @thespectator29764 жыл бұрын

    Thank you KZread for introducing this channel :) so intresting, thank you for sharing :)

  • @pinkgoth6
    @pinkgoth62 жыл бұрын

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

  • @StonyRC
    @StonyRC2 жыл бұрын

    Only in Japan could something so truly sublime occur!

  • @elisanereis1860
    @elisanereis18604 жыл бұрын

    How beautiful!

  • @Turkeyrolls
    @Turkeyrolls3 жыл бұрын

    So relaxing

  • @icreatedanaccountforthis1852
    @icreatedanaccountforthis18522 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding

  • @markturnbull2711
    @markturnbull27114 жыл бұрын

    That's amazing work

  • @JasmineStardes
    @JasmineStardes3 жыл бұрын

    This is very beautifully done and explained! It's calm, but interesting and entertaining, everyone involved did a great job. I recently got a Utagawa Hiroshige picturebook, but it didn't really explain how the prints are made, so I got curious. Thank you for your video, and for the amazing artworks!

  • @clintwinchester4019
    @clintwinchester40192 жыл бұрын

    This cat loves this stuff. I appreciate this.