In this video, Dave shows the entire process of making a small batch of prints (8 sheets) from blank paper to finished result, with each of the colour impressions happening in an uncut, unedited, uninterrupted flow. The viewers can get a very good feeling for the rhythm of the process, and can see just how the pigment/paste balance is controlled along the way.
As a kind of 'bonus', the entire video was recorded using binaural microphones embedded in Dave's ears - you hear exactly what he heard, at every step of the way. (Use headphones!) The recording of each segment was done starting around 3:00 am, when Asakusa is as quiet as possible, but even then, there are residual sounds interrupting along the way (the occasional truck passing by, some rainfall, and unfortunately a large air conditioner on a building a few blocks away …)
The print used for this demonstration is ‘The Demon King’, which was designed for us by Jed Henry, creator of the famous Ukiyo-e Heroes designs. It is available as part of our 'Portraits Set #1’ subscription series; information here.
The Mokuhankan website
Jed Henry’s Ukiyo-e Heroes
Our Twitch stream (live three times a week)