''Kirazuri'' is a method used in
Japanese woodblock printmaking using mica powder, or to add sparkle.
When used for the background in portraits, depending on the base color, it is called ''Shiro-kirazuri'' (white), ''Kuro-kirazuri'' (literally black, but dark gray practically), and ''Beni-kirazuri'' (red).
Types
There are several different types of ''kirazuri'':
*''Surikira'' which is a printing method where mica is mixed into the printing ink. Mineral paints are diluted with water and
gelatin
Gelatin or gelatine (from la, gelatus meaning "stiff" or "frozen") is a translucent, colorless, flavorless food ingredient, commonly derived from collagen taken from animal body parts. It is brittle when dry and rubbery when moist. It may also ...
as binding, and put on the printing woodblock for background coloring.
*''Makikira'' where very fine mica peppers are applied on paper using a sprinkling tool. While adhesive brushed onto paper surface is still wet, mica is shaken over it and attaches to it. Unfixed mica is removed with brush strokes after the paper dries.
*''Okikira'' the design is painted with a mixture of mica and glue on brush, and the glue functions as a thickening agent to give texture to brush strokes.
Gallery
Toshusai Sharaku- Otani Oniji, 1794.jpg, ''Kuro-kirazuri'' in a print by Sharaku
Tōshūsai Sharaku ( ja, 東洲斎 写楽; active 1794–1795) was a Japanese ukiyo-e print designer, known for his portraits of kabuki actors. Neither his true name nor the dates of his birth or death are known. His active career as a woodbloc ...
, 1794
Sharaku (1794) Arashi Ryūzō I as Yakko Ukiyo Matabei and Ōtani Hiroji III as Yakko Tosa no Matabei (compressed).jpg, ''Shiro-kirazuri'', or mica ink printed on white background. A scene from a ''kabuki
is a classical form of Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily-stylised performances, the often-glamorous costumes worn by performers, and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.
Kabuki is thought to ...
'' play
Utamaro (1793) Naniwaya O-Kita.jpg, Utamaro
Kitagawa Utamaro ( ja, 喜多川 歌麿; – 31 October 1806) was a Japanese artist. He is one of the most highly regarded designers of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings, and is best known for his ''bijin ōkubi-e'' "large-headed ...
applied ''kirazuri'' on the background of this picture of a tea house waitress
Further reading
*
See also
*
Sharaku
Tōshūsai Sharaku ( ja, 東洲斎 写楽; active 1794–1795) was a Japanese ukiyo-e print designer, known for his portraits of kabuki actors. Neither his true name nor the dates of his birth or death are known. His active career as a woodbloc ...
*
Utamaro
Kitagawa Utamaro ( ja, 喜多川 歌麿; – 31 October 1806) was a Japanese artist. He is one of the most highly regarded designers of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings, and is best known for his ''bijin ōkubi-e'' "large-headed ...
References
Ukiyo-e techniques
{{Printmaking-stub