Japan Trip: Baren Studio

"Baren-making" session with Mr. Goto in Tokyo today. The traditional Japanese burnishing tool for ukiyo-e prints is called "baren" and Mr. Goto is the only professional baren-maker alive today in Japan who makes the authentic baren. I learned to replace the outer bamboo covering from Mr. Goto who owns his own mountain to cultivate this particular type of bamboo used for this tool. Now I know how to replace the tattered bamboo coverings on my "baren"!!! I also enjoyed my visit with Mr. Matsumura at Woodlike Matsumura shop and learned more about various woodblock printing tools. . . So much to learn as always!!!