Sharkskin

A small piece of sharkskin is an integral part of the traditional printer's toolkit. It is used as the final step in 'prepping' the brushes for use. When a brush is rubbed vigorously over the skin, the sharp teeth tear the tips of the hairs, leaving them feathered and much less likely to leave streaks in the pigment.

Large skins are extremely expensive, so what we are making available here are skins from a small type of shark known as a kasusame.

The skin is 'raw'; you yourself will have to soak it, then bond it to a piece of wood - with white glue and nails.

Sharkskin

Baren pad

A 'deluxe' base from which your baren can make its excursions onto the printing paper ... The plywood base (150mm x 150mm) has rubber feet to hold it steady on your desk, and the top is covered by a 6mm thick layer of felt. The pad should gradually become full of oil from the baren covering, and will get to the point where a good rub on the pad will 'charge' it up for rubbing the paper. (Please note: never leave the baren sitting on the pad when it is not in use, as it will absorb too much oil and become 'soggy'. Always leave it (the baren) flipped upside- down when not in use ...)

Baren Pad

Camellia Oil

This oil is ideal for lubricating the baren, as it never 'goes off', even in the warmest weather. It also does not leave oily after traces on the reverse of the paper. The oil on the baren has two purposes - to allow the baren to slide over the moist paper without tearing it, and to reduce moisture absorption into the bamboo sheath.

The oil is available in 60cc and 240cc bottles, as well as in a new spray bottle containing 20cc.

Camellia Oil

Ategami

Strongly rubbing a baren over the back side of a wet piece of printing paper can sometimes cause it to abrade. This thin but very strong paper is designed to be used as a protective interleaving. Place it over the back of the printing paper before rubbing. The baren slides very smoothly across the surface ...

It is available as a long roll (300mm x 10m) from which you can cut the size you need.

'Ategami' Paper

Hakobi

Hakobi are the small bamboo brushes used to transfer the pigment from the bowl to the woodblock. Hakobi actually means 'carrying stick', but it is also called 'tokibo', which means 'mixing stick'.

Hakobi (left-bamboo / right-flax)

They are available here in two types, the first made in the traditional way from slivers of bamboo sheath, and the second, made from flax. They function in pretty much the same way ...

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