The Mystique of the Japanese Print was the second in the 'Hanga Treasure Chest' print series from woodblock printmaker David Bull.

"Join me in an exploration of the beauty of the Japanese woodblock print. What is it that makes them so attractive and interesting? How is the magic done? This series of eighteen prints will perform 'double-duty' - each one standing on its own as a beautiful print of course, but also serving as a demonstration of a particular feature of the genre. Learn while you enjoy! An explanatory pamphlet is included with each print, and by the time the series is over, you'll have had a 'seminar' on the traditional Japanese print (although without any exams!)."

That is what I wrote on my notepaper when first putting down the concept for this series, and although it perhaps sounds a bit too much like a late-night TV sales pitch, I think I'm going to let it stand, simply because it describes clearly and accurately just what this series is about!

The prints in this set have no single visual theme, nor are they of any particular 'genre'. I ranged far and wide through the entire field of Japanese print design, selecting images that serve the stated purpose - showing you just where the attractiveness comes from. I show you shomen-zuri, and explain to you - by example - what kime-dashi is. All Greek to you? Then come along!

The prints are in the traditional ko-ban size (13.5 x 20 cm - about 5 x 7 1/2 inches), and they were issued at the pace of one per month for eighteen months (beginning April 2010).

A beautiful wooden storage case - with display panel - was shipped together with the first print. Unlike the cases for some of my previous print sets, which I ordered from China, this one has been built to my design by a group of young craftsmen woodworkers here in Japan.

The prints are mounted on acid-free mat board, and each one is wrapped in a folder which carries the descriptive story. These of course fit into the tray of the storage case.

The display stand has an acrylic cover to protect the prints, and these components also tuck away for storage when the display is not in use. As each new print arrives, month-by-month through the course of the project, you put it up on the stand, and slide the previous one into storage inside the case.

[Notice: the prints that Dave made for the series are now all gone. The hard cherry blocks are still in wonderful condition though, so the set is now being brought back to life in a new edition being prepared under Dave’s supervision by the Mokuhankan printers. For information on this edition, please visit the Mokuhankan catalogue. This website will remain as a reference ...]