About us

Kitsune Prints is a small home studio that realizes Mokuhanga prints, a traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique. I usually create prints designed by me but i’m also available for collaborations to produce prints by other artists.

ABOUT MOKUHANGA

This printing technique has been adopted already the Edo period and is well known for the Ukiyo-e art movement.

In mokuhanga every print color area or line is engraved on a wooden board (traditionally made of Japanese mountain cherry – Yamazakura). These are then inked with water-based pigments using some special purpose brushes. The color is finally transferred to Washi paper pressing it against the block with the Baren, a manual tool made of bamboo. The sequence of impressions of colors allows printmakers to obtain wonderful prints.

Tools

Introduction to basic tools

CARVING TOOLS

The various print woodblocks are engraved using knives and gouges of various shapes and sizes.

COLORS

The pigments are reduced to powder and diluted in water

BRUSHES

The woodblocks are inked using special “brushes”, the most popular being the “Maru-bake” that look almost like shoemaker brushes. These brushes are not used to paint the blocks, but simply to distribute the mix of water, pigments and Nori glue evenly on the block.

BAREN

Baren is the printing tool. It is made using different types of bamboo weave that are spirally arranged on a disk and wrapped in a bamboo skin sheet. With this tool the printer transfers pressure to the sheet placed on the engraved block.

PAPER

The prints are made on fine Japanese Washi paper obtained from the fibers of the Kozo (a plant of the mulberry family). There are many types of Washi paper suitable for a multitude of different purposes but in general it is preferred to use hand-made Washi. The most popular origin of washi printmaking paper is the Echizen area where a historical tradition lies, handed down through generations of craftsmen.

Contacts

For information and requests you can contact us via the following form.