I’ve been able to start working on my next mokuhanga project recently; and as you can see, it depicts the character Sailor Moon striking her signature pose.

This image is from a test/proof print of the key block. I’m quite happy with how this key block turned out; particularly with the fine lines and detail on the face and hands. Additionally, I didn’t have any major issues with broken lines or other carving mistakes (although there is one minor issue that I can’t un-see). Having said all that, there is certainly room for improvement. For example, there are many lines which have noticeable variations in thickness (particularly noticeable on the pigtails).

The color blocks for this project are about halfway done. So I should be able to begin test printing in the next few weeks. And there will be A LOT of test printing. Aside from the normal registration issues that might need to be fixed, there are many gradations in this design, as I envision it. I don’t have much experience with gradations, so there will be a lot of testing/learning in that regard as well. I plan to incorporate mica powder into this design as well, which may require some experimentation. Plus, some of the color blocks will be just plain difficult to print.

This will be my most technically challenge print so far, and it’s a bit daunting to be honest; But I’ll give it a go nevertheless. I should be able to get something halfway decent, even if it’s not exactly how envision it.