Posted by Julio at 3:00 AM, February 3, 2009

Here is a short video demonstrating the Japanese woodblock tecnique. The first 30 seconds or so are slow but then we see the traditional bench setup, tools and techniques.

Do not know who the craftsman is in the video but by the looks of the room I am guessing it was filmed at one of the Hanga studios in Japan that create Ukiyo-e reproductions and are open to the public.

Note the use of a small water bottle to keep the sharpening stone wet and the use of the left hand to guide the aisuki clearing knive. Also note that the carving and printing benches are set at opposite angles to improve technique and reduce effort.