Michihamono Japanese Woodblock Printmaking Kit – Standard

Start Japanese woodblock printing with the Standard kit

The Michihamono Standard Japanese Woodblock Printmaking Kit brings carving, colour preparation and hand printing together in one set. It is a practical starting point for learning mokuhanga, or for returning to woodblock printing after a break. Five WOODY carving tools give you a selection of cutting profiles, while the included plastic baren transfers the design from the inked block onto paper.

What is included?

• Five WOODY tools: flat chisel, skew knife, 3 mm and 6 mm U-gouges, and 3 mm V-gouge, with blade caps.
• Two 15 mm Hake brushes and two carrying brushes for working with colour.
• Plastic baren, two plastic trays and a paint set.
• Shina plywood block and a non-slip mat.
• A4 tracing paper, A6 carbon paper and five postcard-size printing sheets.
• Original instruction text supervised by Hikosaka Woodblock Studio, supplied in Japanese.

Learn by making a small print

A simple leaf, fruit or geometric design is a useful first project. Plan the areas that will print, transfer your drawing onto the block and carve away the spaces around them. The different tool profiles let you compare narrow marks with broader clearing cuts. Use the trays to prepare colour and the brushes to work it over the printing surface before positioning your paper.

Keep a few early impressions as a record of your progress. Comparing them can help you judge colour coverage, carving marks and the pressure you apply with the baren. Work patiently and check the print before removing more material from the block.

Standard or Premium?

This listing is the Standard version. The original kit listing also offers Premium, which has seven WOODY tools and a Sosaku Sumi baren with a bamboo sheath. Choose Standard for the smaller tool selection and plastic baren; choose Premium if you want those additional carving profiles.