Displayed here is a signed proof print that offers insight into the complex process in which a traditional Japanese woodblock print was produced. The artist would begin by drawing out a preliminary design (shita–e) of the print. He would then continue to refine the sketch and produce a detailed, monochromatic drawing (hanshita–e). The block–cutter would paste the hanshita–e face down onto a block of cherry wood, coat the paper with oil to make it transparent, and carve away the top layer of the woodblock, leaving untouched only the corners of the block, where registration marks (kento) were added, and those areas beneath the lines of the artist’s drawing. This initial woodblock, known as the keyblock, was then used to print several proofs (kyogo), which were in turn used like hanshita–e to create a unique block for each color intended in the final image.
Related Objects
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Long-Tailed Rosefinch on Branch (Keyblock)
[
"Utagawa Hiroshige",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Seaside Cliff
[
"Utagawa Hiroshige",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
ca. 1832-1850
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
The Seaside Torii Gate
[
"Katsushika Hokusai / Katsukawa Shunrō / Katsushika Taito / Kakō",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
1838-1849
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Flowers and Branch
[
"Utagawa Hiroshige",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
ca. 1852
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Kingfisher and Peony
[
"Utagawa Hiroshige",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
ca. 1852
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Pine Tree
[
"Utagawa Hiroshige",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
ca. 1852
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Reeds
[
"Utagawa Hiroshige",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
ca. 1852
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Sparrow and Bamboo
[
"Utagawa Hiroshige",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
ca. 1852
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Mountain with House and Plum Tree
[
"Utagawa Hiroshige",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
ca. 1852
Asian Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Rekiishi
[
"Katsushika Hokusai / Katsukawa Shunrō / Katsushika Taito / Kakō",
"Unknown Publisher"
]
1838-1849