'The Hero Rests' Woodblock Print

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

David has carefully documented this print's creation in this video.

This design requires over a dozen 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 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!

The left cartouche phonetically reads "Rin-ku", and the right cartouche means "He swings the Commanding Sword".

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

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