Economy Shina – Japanese Plywood – 4mm Thickness – 100x160mm

A Traditional Plywood for Japanese Woodblock Printing

The Economy Shina Japanese Plywood is one of the most widely used materials in Japan for Mokuhanga, the traditional water-based woodblock printing technique. Combining a shina plywood veneer with a lauan wood core, it offers an affordable, lightweight and responsive surface for printmakers of all levels.

Sustainable and fine-grained

Shina (Tilia Japonica) is a sustainable timber grown in the colder northern regions of Japan. It is especially valued for its fine, almost undetectable grain, which allows artists to transfer and carve detailed designs without interference from wood texture. This makes it ideal for producing crisp lines, sharp edges, and intricate imagery.

Carving performance and versatility

• Soft and easy to cut – Suitable for both beginners and experienced printmakers.
• Holds detail well – Clean edges with minimal splintering.
• Ink compatibility – Works equally well with Mokuhanga water-based pigments and Western-style oil-based inks.
• Tool friendly – Suitable for traditional Japanese carving tools as well as modern Western gouges and knives.

A natural material with character

Like all plywoods, shina may contain internal voids. These can be identified by holding the board up to a strong light before carving, allowing you to plan compositions and avoid unexpected gaps during your printmaking process.

Product details

• Dimensions: 100 × 160 mm
• Thickness: 4 mm
• Priming: Unprimed – ready to carve and print straight away.

A trusted choice for printmakers

Whether you are practising traditional Japanese Mokuhanga techniques, experimenting with mixed media, or creating bold Western-style woodcuts, Economy Shina Japanese Plywood provides a reliable, sustainable and versatile surface to bring your prints to life.

Helpful guides

Japanese woodblock printing · Setting up a printmaking workspace