A Mokuhanga print hand printed with a baren on 64 gsm Japanese Pansion kozo washi with cut edges float mounted on white conservation board with kozo hinges.
Edition size: 9 no. plus 1 no. artist’s proof
Image size: 270 x 200 mm
Paper size: 280 x 215 mm approx
Mount: 300 x 400 mm
Price: £150
This traditional Japanese water based wood block print was created with four blocks, three colour of pigment and nori (rice starch paste), with 12 passes of pigment for the wave blocks. Consistent registration, using the traditional kento method is key as each print is laid on the blocks a total of 36 times to build up the intensity of colour.
The bokashi technique is used to create graduated colours; fukibokashi to create large areas of graduated colours on the waves and itabokashi, using a softly bevelled edge to the sky block to suggest a layer of clouds above the horizon.
The print is inspired by our sail circumnavigation of Ireland in 2025 where we experienced the full force and raw power of the Atlantic swell along the west coast. One particular exhilarating sail was towards Donegal Bay and our destination of Killibegs. With a strong wind directly behind us and the funnelling effect of the wide bay, a large swell developed from the Atlantic. As we sailed downwind it was a compelling sight to watch each wave dramatically rising, breaking, and rolling with the ever changing shades of blue.
April 2026
Kay A Brown 