Long-Tailed Rosefinch on Branch (Keyblock)

Displayed here is an uncolored 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.