Japanese Woodblock Printmaking - An Ukiyo-e Falcon

This is the next in the series of videos that show our printing process from start to finish. Today we are featuring the third print in our 2021 ‘Scenes from Nature’ subscription series. This image is based on an Isoda Koryusai design of a falcon and is one of the twelve nature prints we selected from his enormous portfolio of work.

Carver: Noriko Kawasaki
Printer: Natsuki Suga
Cinematography: Yasuhiro Aoyama
Editing and Narration: Cameron Hilker
Guest Appearances: David Bull and Ayumi Ohashi

Subscription information:

The Mokuhankan Twitch channel:

The Mokuhankan website:

Our Patreon campaign:

00:00 Introduction and opening
04:12 0/11 - Moistening the Paper
05:51 1/11 - Key block
07:37 2/11 - Yellow on Falcon
09:32 3/11 - Gold Ornamentation
10:25 Adjusting the Kento Registration Marks
11:34 4/11 - Vermilion
12:45 5/11 - Blue Background
14:38 6/11 - Yellow Feet
15:57 7/11 - Pink Flag
17:24 8/11 - Pink Circles
18:30 9/11 - Blue Rope
20:08 10/11 - Blue on Wings
21:35 'Pearl' Pigment
22:22 11/11 - 'Pearl' Insignia
23:38 12/11 - Name Embossing
24:53 Drying the Prints
27:02 Slideshow
28:24 Chat with Suga-san

Note: although the series is being produced one by one during the course of 2021, we intend to keep the set of prints in production for many years, so if you are coming to this page at some future date, it should still be available!

[ThonyHedgehog]

Discovered David Bull this year with "unintentional ASMR videos". Stayed for the informations and wonderful art creations.

[Miss_Toots]

The perfect alignment of the paper on the block and how quickly she does it, is frankly astounding

[HankFlaktoid]

Speaking as an editor, I appreciate Cameron’s commitment to following movement through a cut. He does a great job of creating sequences of action that flow so you hardly feel the change in the shot. Really good stuff

[leonblum]

When Dave uploads, I like before I watch.

[BlakeThePerson]

I've been watching your videos for many years and I have to say, this may be my favorite. I love the documentary style. I love the access we get, like getting low to see the shape of the keyblock, or the wide shot of where all the brushes rest. I love that the camera moves through the shop a bit. Would love more videos like this! It gives me an even better sense of what it's like to be there and work there.

[GallonMilkProductions]

i love seeing all the "boring" and daily life steps within the shop. It makes me appreciate it more. I would love to see more about your shop members and their duties around. The shop member who filmed this, I would love to see how he makes blocks and keep the back of mokuhankan so tidy and well organized

[Mentatskillz]

"I will spend my whole life learning". Well said, Suga-san. We should all strive for this mentality.

[xCARNAGE_ASADAx]

Your channel should, sorry, must be preserved and archived as a world treasure for future generations. Needless to say, your prints must be preserved and admire as well.

Thank you for your hard work.

[tonywatson]

Really good to see this in-depth style of documentary, step by meticulous step, seeing the colours build up to the final product. I did notice you omitted to mention the tilted workbench, falling away from the worker - very ergonomic, just like the old washboards in a pre-machine laundry.
The chat with Suga-san was very interesting, Cameron-san asking very pertinent questions. More like this, please!

[reptilejesus]

when I am scared or feel unsure of where life is gonna go I return to this channel... always a good vibe

[VevoKIlledUtube]

Hello everyone! Be sure to follow Dave on Twitch if you would like to watch him live.

[woag]

I love how this is shot. Reminds me very much of older documentaries. It's so relaxing and informative.

[GreatArtExplained]

A brilliant clear explanation of the woodblock printing process. Thank you!

[OlivesD]

This is pure gold for someone who is researching the process of woodblock printing. Such precise and detailed information yet remains interesting and relevant throughout! Such an enjoyable video! Thank you!

[velrockartminiatures]

I was lookin for something nice to watch or listen to while I work. Great timing :D

[TheJessicat]

I am so excited for this print! Love the video! While I will never be tired of listening to Dave narrate, I thought Cameron did a fantastic job.

[garlicfan]

The registration is just so impressive every time she does it im blown away at the accuracy. Beautiful print.

[coleberry]

I wanted to leave a comment showing some positivity for bringing in new hands for video creation, but literally every comment was already showing support for it. So, I guess good work building such a talented staff and a positive community. You really love to see it.

[jonmaxton]

Ayumi-san! Best surprised ending ever! We have missed you. I was worried that we would never see your again. I'm so glad that you are back!

[JJ-mxlu]

Dave, make no mistake, we love the videos where you just talk about prints too.