How I made this print
I’ve created this woodblock print of Hiroshige’s Blossoming Plum Branch by individually printing it by hand onto Japanese Kanoko paper. It’s based on a design by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). With an image from the Rijksmuseum digital archive as my reference, I have coloured the design with shades which I feel appropriate, and used tools, techniques and materials virtually unchanged from those that would have been used to create the original edition back in the 19th century.
I used Japanese tools to carve into pieces of flat, smooth wood to create the printing blocks. I printed each colour from these blocks using pure pigment powders mixed with rice paste. During the printing process, I apply ink to a block, and then lay the paper onto it. I then press on the back of the paper using a Japanese hand-printing press called a baren.
Every print in a batch is made in the same way, but each time the block is inked and pressed slightly differently. This results in a succession of seemingly identical but actually unique prints – each and every one is an individual, hand crafted work of art.
Further Details
This woodblock print of Hiroshige’s Blossoming Plum Branch is one of several based on Hiroshige designs. If you like this one, there’s also a Daisy and Irises.
When the print is finished, I blind print my chop seal in the corner so it appears to be embossed.
Print size is 2″ x 7″ (5cm x 18cm) approx.
The print comes mounted and ready to frame, with double bevel-cut mount – overall size is 7″ x 12″ (18cm x 31cm) approx.
I mount the print onto the backing board using photo corners. I also attach an information sheet explaining how the print was made on the reverse.
The print comes packaged in a crystal clear cellophane bag. I send prints in a board-backed envelope by Royal Mail.