A unique opportunity to combine mokuhanga printmaking (water-based woodcut) with the art of Japanese hand scroll creation, using wood, water-colour, washi, rice-glue and your own book cloth. This five-day workshop invites you to learn the basics of Mokuhanga (Water-based Woodblock Printmaking) combined with the traditional Japanese art of hand scroll making. A kansubon (handscroll) is a book in its most elementary form, consisting of a number of sheets of paper joined in sequence attached to a wooden dowel at one end and with a cloth bound outer cover. Traditionally used for Buddhist sutras and picture books, it has the potential to be applied to contemporary book arts projects.

Mokuhanga is perfect for anyone interested in a non-toxic, table-top printmaking technique. Over the course of the workshop, you will learn the process of transferring a simple landscape inspired drawing onto Japanese plywood and carve a colour separation wood block, following in the tradition of Japanese Ukiyo-e and Sosaku hanga movement. With no mechanical press required, only a handheld 'baren', you will learn the techniques to achieve various nuanced printing effects, from 'woodgrain' to 'sesame printing' and the well-known 'bokashi' (colour gradation), synonymous with mokuhanga. You will learn to register your mulberry paper (kozo washi) with your multiple carved blocks through the simple 'kento' registration system.

Over the five-day course, you will learn the techniques of backing linen cloth with lightweight paper to create book cloth using the urauchi method, alongside the skills to stretch prints and attach them together to create seamless pages. You will gain the confidence to create your own book-cloths and scroll structures in the future.

You will be sure to take away a deep understanding for both processes of mokuhanga and scroll making, and a love of the results from this accessible, water-based printmaking method which provides endless possibilities.

This course is part of our Japanese influence’s week led by talented artist-tutors: Yoichi Fujimori (Japanese paper making) Mieko Fujimori (Indigo dye on paper) Wayne Meeten (Japanese hammer chasing) Rie Tsuruta (Exploring Japanese pottery) Lucy May Schofield (Japanese woodblock printed landscape bound in a scroll) Rie Takeda (Calligraphy) Helen Turner (The art of imperfection in painting – wabi sabi)

Each course explores a different aspect of the influences and techniques of Japanese art and craft and how they may be applied to contemporary practices.

Each tutor will be invited to give a short talk (10 minutes) about an aspect of their work relating to the theme of the week on Tuesday evening at 5.15pm. Participants will also be encouraged to visit other courses to see work produced across the varied approaches offered in the week

Included

On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including: Washi paper, wood blocks, watercolour, tracing paper, carbon paper, patterned papers, fabrics, bone and acrylic clasps, silk ribbon, nori paste, newsprint.

What students need to bring

• Please bring any bookbinding tools you may have such as bone folders, sharp pencils, erasers
• A notebook to take notes

Available to buy

Available from tutor: Washi paper will be available to purchase from the tutor to use for future projects.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions