How Japanese Woodblock Prints Were Made

Japanese woodblock prints, known as ukiyo-e, are admired around the world for their beauty, detail, and craftsmanship. But how were these stunning works of art actually made? The answer lies in a careful, multi-step process that required the collaboration of skilled professionals. In this post, we’ll explore the traditional method of making Japanese woodblock prints—step by step.

👨‍🎨 Step 1: The Artist Designs the Image

It all began with the artist, who would draw the image on thin paper using black ink. This original drawing, called the hanshita-e, served as the master design for the entire print. Artists like Hokusai or Hiroshige were responsible for the concept, layout, and composition, but they didn’t make the prints themselves. Instead, they handed their drawings off to a team of skilled craftsmen.

🔪 Step 2: The Carver Creates the Woodblocks

Next came the carver, or horishi, whose job was to transfer the artist’s design onto a block of wood. To do this, they would glue the thin paper drawing face-down onto a block of cherry wood—chosen for its durability and fine grain. Using tiny knives and chisels, the carver would carefully cut away all the areas that were not meant to hold ink, leaving a raised version of the design. This block, called the key block, was used to print the outlines.

For each color in the final print, a separate block had to be carved. That means a single image could require 10, 20, or even more individual blocks, depending on how many colors the artist wanted to use. Precision was critical—each block had to line up perfectly with the others, a process called registration using special marks known as kento.

🎨 Step 3: The Printer Applies Color

Once all the blocks were carved, the printer (called surishi) took over. They would brush water-based ink onto each block by hand, often mixing the pigments fresh for every print run. Japanese inks allowed for a wide range of subtle effects, from bright flat color to soft, shaded tones—a technique known as bokashi.

The printer would then place a dampened sheet of handmade paper—usually washi, made from mulberry bark—onto the inked block. Using a round tool called a baren, they would press the paper evenly onto the block to transfer the ink. This process was repeated for each color, layering the image block by block until the full artwork appeared.

📚 Step 4: The Publisher Brings It to the World

After the prints were made, the final—and very important—step was handled by the publisher (hanmoto). Publishers managed the entire production process, from hiring the artist and coordinating with carvers and printers to deciding how many copies to make. They were also responsible for marketing, distribution, and sales.

Publishers often had a strong influence on what subjects were printed, based on public trends and commercial demand. Some focused on portraits of kabuki actors, while others published travel series or images of beautiful women. They sold prints through bookstores, street vendors, and catalogs, helping ukiyo-e become one of the first truly mass-produced art forms in the world.

🤝 A True Team Effort

Unlike Western artists who often worked alone, ukiyo-e prints were created by a team: the artist, the carver, the printer, and the publisher. Each one played a key role. Their collaboration allowed for the creation of stunning, affordable art that reached people from all walks of life.

This system also allowed ukiyo-e to reflect current events, seasonal trends, and pop culture—similar to magazines or posters today. Whether produced in small editions or sold by the thousands, each print was part of a lively and influential art economy.

🌸 A Living Tradition

Though times have changed, many artists and craftsmen in Japan still create woodblock prints using traditional methods. These prints continue to be admired for their detail, technique, and cultural value—both in museums and in homes around the world.

🖼️ See the Craftsmanship for Yourself

There’s nothing like seeing a real Japanese woodblock print up close. Explore our curated collection of ukiyo-e prints to discover the beauty and skill behind each piece. Whether you're new to collecting or a lifelong fan, our selection offers something special for everyone.