This fine woodblock print was lovingly designed by Jed Henry, and hand-carved and printed in David Bull's Tokyo Workshop. The materials and techniques used are authentic to those employed centuries ago in old Edo.

This particular design requires over 15 individual impressions to achieve a full range of color. David uses the finest quality of yamazakura (mountain cherry) to carve his printing blocks. The wood is capable of holding a very fine level of delicacy – every last detail is printed by the wood left standing, after the rest has been cut away.

The left caption says 末子一世頼 meaning: "The Last Born, the greatest hope of our age". The right caption reads 岩乗九番 which means: "Strong Number 9". The kanji 岩 means "boulder", which hearkens back to this hero's "rocky" origins. ;)

The paper is handmade Echizen Hosho Washi, made by national living treasure, Iwano Ichibei IX. This is the exact same paper printers used over 200 years ago! You can see a video of Mr. Iwano at work here.

This print will be the traditional koban format – 7 x 9 inches (17.5 x 23 cm).