Japanese Woodblock Printing Demo: The Great Wave

Japan is home to one of the most dynamic and revered print cultures in the world. Poster House is thrilled to partner with New York’s Ronin Gallery and Globus Washitsu to host woodblock printer Hironobu Numabe of Numabe Mokuhan print workshop in Tokyo and woodblock carver Kayoko Suga for a demonstration showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of traditional Japanese printing. Numabe and Suga will discuss the technique, history, and joy of their art as well as presenting the related tools, pigments, and original woodblocks. 

While some guests may have the opportunity to try their hand at this historic printing process, the true highlight will be Numabe and Suga’s incredible recarving and reprinting of Hokusai’s Great Wave, probably the most famous Japanese woodblock print of all time. In honor of Ronin Gallery’s 50th anniversary, the team has remastered this iconic image for a contemporary audience. A few of these extremely high-quality, limited-edition reprints will be available for purchase. 

Founded in 1995 by Shinkichi Numabe, Numabe Mokuhan printers do not merely reproduce famous Japanese prints but “remaster” them. Formerly the principal printer for Toshi Yoshida, Shinkichi Numabe brings decades of expertise to Numabe Mokuhan. Whether printing from original woodblocks or creating new ones, Shinkichi and Hironobu Numabe breathe new life into familiar designs, printing them to the highest standard. Championing the craftsmen, tools, and materials that combine to create each print, Numabe Mokuhan shares the spirit of traditional woodblock printmaking with a new generation.

This talk and demonstration is a drop-in program suitable for all ages. Questions are encouraged!