Sosaku – Japanese Water Brush for Printmaking Paper – 125mm

Japanese 125mm Water Brush for Preparing Printmaking Paper

This Michihamono water brush is a broad paper-preparation tool for Japanese woodblock printing. Its 125mm width, soft wool bristles and poplar handle make it a distinct part of the printing setup. Use it to distribute water when preparing paper for mokuhanga, rather than treating it as an inking brush.

Prepare moisture before printing

Michihamono describes using the brush to dampen newspaper evenly, then placing printmaking paper between the damp newspaper sheets. The wool bristles hold water well, and the broad working width helps spread it across the newspaper. This gives you a practical way to prepare a stack of paper before a printing session.

Different papers need different amounts of moisture and preparation time. Begin with spare sheets from the paper you intend to use, and check how they respond before preparing an entire edition. Aim for an even result across the sheet, and adjust your routine from those tests.

Keep water and colour tools separate

A dedicated brush for water helps you avoid transferring stray pigment into your paper stack. Keep a clean water container beside the preparation area, and use separate dishes and brushes for colour mixing and block inking. This also makes it easier to recognise each tool’s purpose during a workshop.

Prepare your damp paper before starting repeated impressions, so it is ready when the block has been inked. Monitor it during the session and follow the handling guidance for your chosen printmaking paper. The brush forms one part of that moisture routine alongside your water container and interleaving sheets.

Manufacturer specifications

• Brush width: 125mm.
• Brush thickness: 12mm.
• Bristle length: 30mm.
• Bristle material: wool.
• Handle material: poplar.
• Manufacturer code: 82004400.

Supplied as one water brush. Clean after use and allow it to dry before storage, keeping it ready for the next paper-preparation session.