Japanese Woodcut: Traditional Techniques and Contemporary Practice

Japanese Woodcut is a complete guide to the art and practice of ‘mokuhanga’. It explains the delicate lines, luminous colour and intriguing compositions that first influenced the Impressionists in the nineteenth century, and presents this rich art form as a compelling and diverse technique for the printmaker of today. With over 400 illustrations, this book is a beautiful companion for everyone interested in exploring and understanding the great possibilities of this enduring technique.

This book explains the technique which is now acclaimed and practised widely in the West. Its popular success is partly because the process is entirely non-toxic and environmentally friendly, but also because it allies the certainties of woodcut with the nuance of watercolour. In so doing, it has opened up a whole new landscape for contemporary printmakers.

As well as explaining the full process from design to cut, it pays particular attention to printing and different methods of achieving specific effects for the more advanced, including printing larger woodblocks. The final chapter features a range of prints from leading practitioners and celebrates the success of this unique art form.