David's Choice - Episode #8

The next in our 'David's Choice' series, where Tokyo-based woodblock printmaker David Bull introduces some of his favourite prints. This episode shows and discusses prints related to the theme of Hakkei - or ‘8 Views’, centering on the iconic ‘Omi Hakkei’ (Eight Views of Omi) by Hiroshige.

Update: we now have a supplementary video to this one, showing more closeups of the Harunobu designs:

Some reference links related to this video:

Original Chinese 8 Views:

Some of Hiroshige’s many Omi Hakkei series:

Information on Harunobu’s Zashiki Kakkei (contains erotic imagery):

An interesting page with more examples and information on the concept:

The Mokuhankan website is:

Our Patreon page is:

Our Twitch channel is:

Thank you for watching!

[totallycarbon]

I didn't expect meme review with Dave, but I'm glad we got it.

[Radditz]

The eight views of cats.
You are gold, David Bull.

[coda-nu]

Memes today: Is this loss?
Memes in 18th century Japan: Is this hakkei?

[bfrazer]

May 2018: Stumbled upon David's "Remembering a Carver" video, not knowing what the hell woodblock printmaking even was.






May 2019: The hype of seeing a new video from David is unreal, ready to relax and learn more about Japanese prints, which are so strangely captivating

[patavinity]

I adore these videos. Please never stop teaching me about Japanese prints.

[Theepicfrenchguy]

We might not share the same craft but your passion and love truly are inspiring.

[bigbyrd]

Rainy morning, new David Bull video, 8 views of me shirking off my morning plans under the comforter.

[MrXon]

Everytime David releases a video, its an EVENT! Like Game of Thrones or the Avengers!

[bernardshakey]

These videos are some of the best on youtube. Thank you so so much for all of the videos David, and thank you for my new appreciation of Japanese prints!

[keithvirgin]

In 2019 I went to David’s shop and bought his print of the sparrow and peony’s. (He carved the reproduction block and someone else printed it) I did not realize at the time it was part of a set, and the white flowers represented snowy mountains. I’m so glad I know this now! Makes it even more special.

[steinlaubenpieper]

the see through gaps of the sails are lovely, you can see the enviorment behind yet they are so view taking, almost like rain can be

[NestorCustodio]

I can't speak for everyone, but I don't watch these videos *just* for the beautiful wood block prints; they're just the icing on the cake!

I come for the wonderful art history lessons, insights into Japanese culture and folklore, and the occasional personal stories about chance meetings or notable artisans. You share all of these with a true love of the art form, a reverence for the craft, a deep respect for those who have mastered it, and a genuine gratitude for those who are willing to listen.

That's why I'm here and that's why we love your videos.

[NBJ]

Hardly noticed half an hour passing. Enchanting as always, Dave!

[beniaminr]

Dear David, whenever you're in doubt if these videos are too long or too lecture-like, know that there's hardly anything better to watch after a long day of work than some beautiful woodblock prints and hearing the story behind them.
Greetings from Germany!

[Artractive_]

I really miss your David’s choice videos! I hope you can bring us some more of these wonderful presentations again soon! The art and the history are so beautiful

[-dystopic-]

The attention to detail in those last prints is mind blowing! The fine details & portrayal of the different textures is just unbelievable.
Thank you for including the close up shots, it really helped to appreciate just how beautiful those prints actually are.

[ArtemisNightlock]

I personally greatly enjoy every episode of the series and particulary like that the videos are longer (and much much more informative) than your normal youtube video. It is meeting someone who is really passionate about what he does and loves to share the passion. So you stay, listening closely, and allow yourself to get enchanted by the wonderful prints and the stories behind them. The time just flies by.

[SimonClark]

Have you considered making an "8 views of Nintendo" or similar, as a continuation of the ukiyo-e heroes sets? I'd definitely be interested in buying a set

[genekwagmyrsingh]

11:39 The lecture is just as important! Fitting these things into context helps me appreciate them more on their own!

[JamesBrown-jpkp]

I absolutely love the rain effect on some of these prints. The different techniques they used to portray rain. The themes of every day life are really interesting as it shows that modern day 'street photography' albeit, without a camera, in them days is still prevailent!

I always learn something new about Japanese print making when I watch these videos. Yet before, I never even knew these things existed. Considering they aren't classed as what is known as 'high' art makes them all the more appealing. As it is every bit as valuable. And probably even more skilled than some historical paintings we have come to know and enjoy.