Ukiyo-e Process

First, the Eshi draws a black-outline draft. The Horishi pastes it onto a woodblock make of hard, aged, regularly grained cherry wood. The Horishi carves the outline into the wood using specialized tools and advanced skills.

Wood carving tools.

Next, the Sorishi skillfully mixes pigments together. He carefully rubs the color into the grooves of the wood with a baren (rubbing pad).

High quality, strong, long-fibered Japanese paper is pressed onto the woodblock to absorb the pigment.

The finished product.

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