Sosaku Baren

These barens are similar in concept to the Murasaki on another page of the Mall, but somewhat less well made. The backing disc is plastic, and the inner coil is a braided cord.

They come in two weights: 'sumi' (a finer cord, more suitable for printing key blocks with lines), and 'beta' (a heavier cord, useful for solid colour).

Sosaku Baren

Pla-baren

'Pla' is of course 'plastic' and this baren is entirely made of plastic, with the bottom surface being formed with many small bumps to give the printing action. They are used 'as is', with no bamboo sheath cover.

You won't find a less expensive alternative anywhere, and yet they are not 'junk', but are quite useable.

'Pla-baren'

Ball-bearing Barens

Another alternative type baren, which also does not need a bamboo sheath. The base is a rubber and aluminum pad with a twisted handle, and the 'action' part is made up of hundreds of steel ball bearings held in place by a perforated screen.

They are available in four types:

• Type 'A': fewer bearings (thus stronger), smooth-running
• Type 'B': fewer bearings (thus stronger), stiff-running
• Type 'C': more bearings (more delicate), smooth-running
• Type 'D': more bearings (more delicate), stiff-running

Ball-bearing Barens

Korokoro Baren

This is another new ball-bearing baren, from a different maker to the ones above. The entire unit is one molded piece of plastic, from the base of which the bearings protrude. It is most similar to Type 'D' above. A nice elegant tool ...

Korokoro Baren

Order form for these barens

Select the items you wish to purchase from the forms above, then click on the 'Add to Cart' button.

Comments from other printmakers who have used these products is available on a feedback page, and if you have such experience, we invite your input too. Please use the Customer Feedback Form.