Introduction to Mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock): Sustainable Printmaking

Course information

Course description

Introduction to Mokuhanga is a three-day course that focuses on exploring sustainability in image and printmaking. A relief printing technique, Mokuhanga (or Japanese woodblock) is the process of transferring an image onto a block of wood, carving the block, and printing it onto paper with water-based inks and mediums.

Mokuhanga is chemical free, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, uses relatively simple hand tools and equipment and requires very little space to produce beautiful work. The natural beauty of the materials — wood, pigment and hand-made paper — are all retained and enhance each other.

This course will teach participants this printmaking process from start to finish and they will walk away with a hand printed edition of their own work, as well as the tools and materials required to print at home on their own.

Please note: this short course is suitable for over 18s only.

Example course structure

Day 1: Planning & making an image

This first day will introduce participants to the history and processes fundamental to Mokuhanga. Participants will look at historic as well as contemporary examples of this printmaking technique, learn about the tools that they'll be using throughout the duration of the course, and particularly focus on image making for successful transferring, carving and printing. You will learn how to plan layers for an image and get familiar with the wood that will be used for printing blocks.

Day 2: Carving & colour

Participants will spend most of this session carving their blocks, sharpening tools, mixing colours and preparing paper, getting ready to print the following day.

Day 3: Printing & feedback session

The last session of the course will focus on proofing and printing an edition of 2-layer prints! There will be time reserved towards the end of the day for learning how to finish, sign, and number your own printed edition, as well as reviewing everyone's printed editions as a group.

What to bring

A basic list will be sent to you a week in advance of the course date. You will be required to bring an image, no larger than A5, for you to create your printed edition from. All other materials are provided by Kingston School of Art (KSA).

Course tutors

Léa Dalissier is a London-based artist who recently graduated from the Royal College of Art, completing her MA in Print. With a research-based visual practice, her work aligns with notions revolving around ecological awareness and socio-political activism. She is also a member of the team in the Printmaking, Letterpress and Book Arts Workshop at Kingston School of Art. You can see Léa Dalissier's work on her website.

Related courses

Kingston School of Art also offers the following related courses:

• Graphic Design BA
• Illustration Animation BA