Woodblock Printing: Traditional Techniques and Designs: The History of Publishing Culture Through the Collaborative Work of Artists, Carvers, and Printers Kenji Takenaka; Yuji Yonehara

9784416621523

4416621523

563038

Single item

Woodblock Printing: Traditional Techniques and Designs - The History of Publishing Culture Through the Collaboration of Artists, Carvers, and Printers - Takenaka

Woodblock printing is a technique where raised and recessed areas are carved into a wooden block, ink is applied, and text or images are transferred onto paper. In Japan, the technique of multi-color printing, epitomized by ukiyo-e, developed by layering multiple blocks to combine colors. Furthermore, as part of the history of publishing and printed materials, it is a traditional craft passed down alongside human life, representing, in a sense, the history of human existence.
Even today, when mechanical printing dominates, the unique texture inherent to woodblock printing continues to captivate many designers and artists working with paper, finding its way into various printed materials and creative works.
This book introduces the techniques of carving and printing, centered on the expertise of Kyoto's long-established workshop “Takenaka Kiban Takesasado,” accompanied by detailed explanations. It also traces the history of Japanese “woodblock printing,” from Edo-period ukiyo-e to contemporary woodblock prints, utilizing a wealth of valuable materials unique to such a venerable establishment.
While offering content of high archival value, its numerous illustrations and beautiful visuals make it a valuable reference not only for those in the arts and crafts fields, but also for young creators and artists.

■Table of Contents
What is Woodblock Printing?
Introduction
Chapter 1: The History of Woodblock Printing
Chapter 2: The Work of Woodblock Printing
1- The Birth of Woodblock Printing
2- The Rise of the Publishing Industry
3- The Emergence of Ukiyo-e
4- The Golden Age of Ukiyo-e
5- Kyoto Woodblock Prints, Edo Woodblock Prints\ n6-Modern Woodblock Prints: Commerce and Art
Woodblock Prints Alongside Publishers
1-Ukiyo-e
2-Dyeing Patterns
3-Masterpieces by Great Artists
4-Wrapping Paper, Tansaku, Stationery
5-Kyoto Uchiwa Fans
6-Hatsugama Fans\ n7-Temple and Shrine Charms
8-Pictorial Motifs, Patterns, and Typography
9-Hand-Printed Miscellaneous Goods
Chapter 3 Woodblock Printing Techniques
Techniques Seen in Red Fuji Prints
Collaboration Among Painters, Carvers, and Printers
Understanding Printing Techniques
Pigment Preparation / Printing Large Areas / Printing Small Areas
Blending Techniques
Tools Maintained by Carvers and Printers
Chapter 4: Designs in Contemporary Woodblock Prints
Chapter 5: The Future of Woodblock Printing
Learning from predecessors and continuing production demanded by the modern era renews techniques
About Takenaka Woodblock Printing, Chikusado
Contributors of Reference Materials/ References
Conclusion
Columns
(1) The First Japanese Edition of the Tripitaka: The Hōzōin Project, Origin of Mincho Type
(2) The Role of the “Publisher” in Woodblock Printing: The Woodblocks and Tradition Inherited by Geisodo
(3) Old Woodblocks as “Witnesses to History”: The Role in Commercial Printing Seen in the Woodblocks Held by Toraya\ n(4) Visiting the Artisans Supporting Woodblock Printing
Echizen Washi: Visiting Iwano Ichibei and the Village of Washi
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9784416621523
Woodblock Prints: Traditional Techniques and Designs - The History of Publishing Culture Through the Collaboration of Artists, Carvers, and Printers
Kenji Takenaka; Yuji Yonehara
(text created at , 2025-05-11)

183x20x243 mm

590 g