小川 信人
おがわ のぶと
Woodblock carving and woodblock printing
Woodblock printing using wood as the printing plate. Characters and images are carved in reverse onto a wooden block. Ink or pigment is applied to the plate surface, and paper is pressed against it to transfer the image. During the Muromachi period, this technique was used to print fairy tale books and songbooks. Around the mid-Edo period, multi-color woodblock prints (nishiki-e) emerged, utilizing separate black ink blocks and color blocks for layered printing.A division of labor among artists, carvers, and printers. Based on the artist’s original drawing, the carver engraves the woodblock, and the printer completes the print.
Arakawa Ward has three carvers and three printers.
About the Craftsman
My grandfather was Sekioka Kōji (commonly known as Sekioka Senrei II), an Edo woodblock print printer designated as an Intangible Cultural Property Holder by Arakawa Ward. From childhood, I was immersed in woodblock printing and deeply influenced by his exceptional skill and approach to craftsmanship.He later apprenticed under Mr. Kawashima Hidekatsu, a disciple of his grandfather and also an Arakawa Ward Designated Intangible Cultural Property Holder. Through approximately five years of rigorous training, he mastered the advanced techniques of Edo woodblock printing.
After completing his apprenticeship, he established his own studio. Currently, as the representative of Sekioka Woodblock Print Studio, he creates senjafuda (temple and shrine plaques), ukiyo-e works, and original prints, dedicating himself to preserving and advancing traditional techniques.
Achievements
- Appointed Representative of Sekioka Woodblock Print Studio in Fiscal Year 2005
Contact Us
- Location: 3-11-8 Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo Sekio Woodblock Print Studio
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Phone/Fax: 03-3821-1892
- Homepage: Sekioka Woodblock Print Studio
- Introductory Video: Living with Tradition—Woodblock Printing by Hidekatsu Kawashima