Summer in Edo: Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Workshop

Join us for a hands-on introduction to Ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock printing,inspired by scenes of everyday life during the warm summer months in Edo-period Japan. No prior experience is necessary—beginners and all levels are welcome

In this workshop, participants will explore the basic processes of Japanese woodblock printmaking, focusing on carving, inking, and hand-printing techniques. Students will work in small groups and choose from simplified designs inspired by classic summer Ukiyo-e subjects, such as a procession of women carrying traditional janome-gasa (snake-eye umbrellas) or boats drifting along a riverbank—images that evoke seasonal travel, river breezes, and daily life in the city of Edo (present-day Tokyo).

Each group will collaborate to carve two to three woodblocks that make up the image. Because carving takes time, participants will rotate roles within their group. While some members are carving, others can begin practicing inking and hand-printing techniques using prepared sample blocks. This allows everyone to become familiar with the printing tools and process before working with their group’s carved blocks. Participants will also learn how kento, the traditional registration system used in Japanese printmaking, allows multiple colors and layers to align accurately.

Ukiyo-e, meaning “pictures of the floating world,” flourished in Japan from the 17th through the early 20th centuries. Many prints captured seasonal moments in urban life—summer outings, riverside gatherings, and travelers moving through the landscape. During the workshop, we will look at historical examples of Ukiyo-e and discuss how artists used composition, movement, and color to portray the vibrant rhythms of Edo-period life.

Participants will leave with prints made from their group’s carved blocks and a deeper understanding of the collaborative techniques behind traditional Japanese woodblock printing.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Japanese Culture Center, 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, United States

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