When I adapt a scene into Ukiyo-e, I usually translate all the scene's elements into an 1800s Edo period style.

However, for this particular print I decided to work in the modern Shin-hanga style, which is known for its realism and much more complex color schemes.

Because of this, I did not adapt the design of the robot's armor. Instead I wanted to focus on the anachronism between a futuristic mobile suit walking through an 1800s temple scene. The contrast is quite stunning I think!

The left cartouche reads 可動鎧 - and the furigana (tiny characters next to the kanji) literally say "mobile suit".

The right cartouche says 幾度とり払われるとも止めどなく花をうえつづけるぞ, which means, "No matter how many times they get wiped away, we will never stop replanting the flowers."

This is a handmade woodblock print. I can't believe how good this looks! We really are making great progress with our apprentice printmakers. We teamed up again with apprentice printmaker William Francis to produce this handmade print. William is still at an early stage in his training, and is getting very close to competing with David Bull's Tokyo team. 

We are setting a very low price for such a complex print. This is a great opportunity to own a piece of our history, as we slowly train up the next generation of printmakers. We thank you for investing in the future of this craft! In the process of making this print, William learned a ton! 

This design requires many individual impressions to achieve a full range of color. William 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 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 is in the traditional koban format – 6.3 x 8.5 inches (16 x 22 cm).