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Report on the Workshop on Japanese Woodblock Printing and Bookmaking

Exhibition related program Event Report

Article by the FY2024 Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum Internship.

As part of Takehisa Yumeji’s exhibition-related program, the Teien Art Museum held a workshop on making books in the traditional Japanese style known as wa-toji. The instructions were provided by hanga artist Hiroki Satake, who led a small group of twenty people with an interest in woodblock printing and Takehisa Yumeji’s work. It was a unique opportunity to explore traditional Japanese bookmaking and bookbinding methods and to embrace Yumeji’s concept of finding beauty in everyday things.

The workshop began with a speech by Misato Tsuru, Yumeji’s exhibition curator. The key focus of the workshop was to use the beautiful patterns found in the Teien Art Museum’s interior as inspiration for creating your own book.

Upon entering the Teien Art Museum, you will notice that even the smallest decorations are crafted with care. You can draw inspiration from the museum’s interior, create a wonderful masterpiece, and take it home.

Okay, let’s get started! Coat the wooden block with colored ink, place a piece of paper on top, and start pressing using a wooden tool called a “baren.” You need to burnish the back of the paper—this is a woodblock printmaking term for rubbing in circular motions while applying pressure. Repeat this process 3-4 times using different colors.

Next, we need to dry our prints.

Then it’s time for the bookbinding challenge. Fold the paper together and secure it with two clips.

Since the paper and cover are quite thick, we need to pierce a few holes before binding.

For most participants, it was their first time trying traditional Japanese woodblock printing and bookbinding. However, Satake-sensei’s clear instructions ensured that, after three hours, everyone had their own completed books!

The workshop provided a wonderful opportunity to create art alongside people you had just met. This can inspire new connections and, who knows, perhaps even friendships. We plan to continue hosting workshops to showcase the beauty of the Teien Art Museum. See you at the next event!

Text : Ksenia Basmanova (Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum Intern)

Workshop on Japanese Woodblock Printing and Bookmaking

Date & TimeAugust 4th, 2024 (Sun) 13:30~16:30
VenueTokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Leading
artist
Hiroki Satake (Artist /Printmaker)
Number of participants18
Woodblock for a Print Designed by Mai Murozono
Cooperation by HAIBARA Co., LTD.