Established in the late 1970s as a Japanese print supply store in the US, McClain’s has become a go-to for Mokuhanga supplies in the English market. They provide access to the most important books on technical aspects of relief printing. Have a look at the full range of their titles. Listed here are a top three to tempt you.
The Art and Craft of Woodblock Printmaking
by Kari Laitinen, Tuula Moilanen, and Antti Tanttu
This is the ‘go-to’ book for any relief print query. It is fantastically comprehensive in its technical detailing of both Western and Japanese woodblock printing. Although quite a hefty volume it is clearly written. A must-have classic.
Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Art of Mokuhanga
by April Vollmer
Vollmer is well known in Mokuhanga circles for her dedication to teaching, her enthusiasm for the medium and her practice as an artist working in the Mokuhanga medium. This volume provides clear instruction and a contemporary inspirational context for the medium.
Moku Hanga Primer: Making Woodblock Prints
written and illustrated by Robert McClain
Conversational and informative this illustrated publication by the founder of McClain’s offers a concise introduction to Mokuhanga and Mokuhanga tool care. It is also a delightful piece of history given the lineage of the McClain’s store.