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A Japanese wood-engraver, 1864. Creator: Unknown
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A Japanese wood-engraver, 1864. Creator: Unknown
A Japanese wood-engraver, 1864. '...from a sketch by our Artist at Yokohama. It is painful here to observe the uncomfortable position of the Japanese engraver at his work - to see how he is doubled up at the apology for a table, and in what an awkward way he holds the style. But we are amused when we look at his wonderful spectacles, tied round his ears with a piece of string. The instruments he uses are of the simplest description; and his wood is not hard, like our boxwood, but extremely soft. His mode of operation is this: the subject to be engraved is first drawn on a thin piece of paper with Indian ink and a Japanese paint-brush. The drawing is then reversed and pasted on the wood. The paper is oiled and left on the wood till the engraving is finished. All the black lines in the drawing are thus left in relief. The block is then washed and covered with printing-ink made of lampblack and glue. The printing is performed by laying a clean sheet of paper on the block and pressing the surface, by hand, with a round tool covered with a dried leaf. This operation goes on till thousands of copies are printed. The Japanese also print in colours, by having different blocks of wood for the different colours'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38079408
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Artisan Artists Studio Craftsman Cutting Engraver Glasses Hand Carved Handicraft Handicrafts Spectacles Studio Tools Tools Of The Trade Workbench Workshop Metaphor Wood Engraver Wood Engraving
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1864 showcases a Japanese wood-engraver hard at work, captured in the midst of his intricate craft. Despite the uncomfortable position and awkward stance portrayed in the image, there is a sense of admiration for the dedication and skill displayed by this talented artisan.
The engraver's unique spectacles tied around his ears with a piece of string add a touch of whimsy to the scene, highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of craftsmen during that era. The simplicity of his tools and materials stands in stark contrast to the complexity of his artistry, showcasing the mastery required to create such detailed engravings on soft wood.
The process described in detail beneath the image provides insight into the meticulous steps involved in wood engraving during that time period. From drawing on thin paper with Indian ink to printing thousands of copies by hand using traditional techniques, it is evident that each piece created by this skilled craftsman was truly a labor of love.
Overall, this print serves as a fascinating glimpse into both the artistry and craftsmanship prevalent in Japan during 1864, capturing a moment frozen in time that continues to inspire awe and appreciation for traditional woodworking techniques.
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