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Japanese Woodblock Printing

Japanese Woodblock Printing

In this 10-week unique summer short course, you'll have the chance to explore and try your hand at Japanese woodblock printing, or Mokuhanga in its native Japanese.

Please note, new dates for this course will be confirmed in April. If you'd like to be the first to know when this course is available to book, simply click the 'Register Your Interest' button and provide your details.

What you need to know

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus

You'll be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Who's this course suitable for?

This course has been developed for aspiring artists and printers aged 18+.

Perfect for anyone who's interested in discovering the beautiful art of Japanese woodblock printing, developing their print skills, and learning new techniques.

It's suitable if you're a beginner or if you've some previous experience with printing and wish to develop your skills further.

Do you need previous experience or qualifications?

This is an introductory course, so no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£349

What's included in this price?

Any additional materials and resources not listed in the 'what to bring' section below.

Are there additional costs?

Please be aware you'll need to bring some printing and drawing equipment with you. This may incur an additional cost on top of your course fee if you need to purchase any equipment. Refer to the 'what to bring' section below for full details.

What should you bring to class?

Photos or drawings for inspiration when creating your prints
Japanese woodcarving tools – set of five
Sharpening stone
9 mm Plywood blocks
Japanese Nori starch paste (sticking paste) – colours of your choosing
Japanese bamboo baren for relief printing (10 cm)
Sōsaku Japanese inking detail brush (15 mm)
Worktable non-slip fabric
Awagami washi Japanese paper (21 x 26 cm)

Why should you choose this course?

Learn new and exciting skills to broaden your creative horizons
Develop the necessary skills and master the techniques needed to produce beautiful prints using the Mokuhanga process
This unique discipline is not readily available to learn anywhere else locally
Receive expert support and guidance from your industry professional tutor at every turn
Leave with increased confidence and the skills to continue creating beyond the course
Study in an encouraging and friendly setting alongside 12 like-minded creatives

About this course

Japanese woodblock printing, or Mokuhanga in its native Japanese, is a simple, centuries-old Japanese technique employing water-based ink, basic carving and rubbing tools, beautiful Japanese paper, and fine-grained wood.

In this exciting summer course, you’ll learn and develop your abilities in this ancient art form and produce beautiful Mokuhanga prints, where the techniques and skills learnt will allow you to make prints for many years to follow.

Many Western printmaking methods involve complex printing presses, oil-based inks, and toxic solvents. By contrast, Mokuhanga utilises only a few simple tools, a small workspace, and is entirely water-based.

You’ll be expertly led by your specialist tutor, Donna Peters, where you’ll learn the techniques of hand-carving and printing using the Kento registration system – marks that are placed on the printing plates to align the paper correctly for printing.

You’ll learn how to transfer your unique drawing to fine-grained Plywood and how to print onto beautiful Japanese paper. This is a skill you can continue to use to make prints for many years.

Learning how to use the Mokuhanga carving tools safely and effectively
The fundamental and basic techniques to translate your design onto plywood and how to cut out your motif
Registration – the importance of precision alignment and placement to ensure that any impression on the paper occurs in the precise position as intended
Exploration of different papers and understanding their properties, washi and preparing paper for printing
Introduction to the printing tools, mixing colours and setting up your printing area
Introduction to basic printing, including bokashi
Understanding and troubleshooting common problems, fixing, and improving the blocks and colours, and conducting a second proof print
Printing a small edition on washi and drying your prints

Possess improved artistic and printing skills
Understand and be equipped with the fundamental skills and basic techniques of Mokuhanga, specifically using the Kento registration system
Be able to use a variety of carving tools safely and effectively to make your design cuts
Have increased confidence in your own skills and knowledge to transfer your design to plywood, set up your printing area, and apply paint to produce your prints with ease
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Be encouraged to experiment and explore your ideas, remembering that there's no right or wrong way to be creative
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course
Leave with a range of beautiful pieces designed and created by you

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance.

After this course, you could:

Continue to harness your creativity and develop your printing skills further; explore our full range of Design and Print short courses
Broaden your creative horizons and try your hand at a range of disciplines; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses
Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby

You'll study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
Our tutors are industry professionals, so you'll learn from the best
We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
You'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included and supported
Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity