Blockwood As Mirror ——Traditional Chinese Prints ＆ Japanese Brocade Prints

The study and practice of traditional Chinese and Japanese print-making seem to be distinct areas between the two.With study experience of both traditions,the author tries to explore a path leading to the advanced studies of both reservoirs.The first chapter is a survey of early works,development,and interactions between various areas,with a retrospective of an exhibition and studies covering both areas.The second chapter focuses on the triad of terms,tools and techniques.A study of Yin and Suri as ideas and practices goes first,followed by the historical transitions of the shape of engravers of China,and making,use and maintenance of Japanese engravers,grindstones ＆ barens,then a comparison of registration system and a reflection of the Japanese idea of flesh-brush.The third chapter is a juxtaposition of the study notes of historical works from both traditions,a voyage with Chinese predecessors and a tete-a-tete withnishiki-e on nishiki-e.With this meandering path from a double survey,several themed studies to sympathetic understandings of historic prints,blocks are turning into mirrors and lenses,and a kaleidoscope of images ＆ thoughts from both cultures emerges.