Question

How do Japanese artists create woodblock prints like The Drum-Bridge at the Kameido Tenjin Shrine?
Responses

They divide the image into four equal sections and print one part at a time.
They divide the image into four equal sections and print one part at a time.

They brush ink onto hand-carved wooden blocks and then transfer the image onto wa-shi paper.
They brush ink onto hand-carved wooden blocks and then transfer the image onto wa-shi paper.

They print the large shapes of color by using rubber stamps and then hand paint the fine outlines.
They print the large shapes of color by using rubber stamps and then hand paint the fine outlines.

They assemble the image by using very thin slices of wood, which is then inked and printed.
They assemble the image by using very thin slices of wood, which is then inked and printed.
Drum Bridge at the Kameido Tenjin Shrine, painting by Katsushika Hokusai, showing people crossing the bridge and water flowing under it

Answer 1

They brush ink onto hand‑carved wooden blocks and then transfer the image onto washi paper.

Briefly: the artist makes the design, a carver cuts one or more wooden blocks (a key/block for outlines plus separate blocks for each color), the printer applies ink or pigment to a block, lays damp washi over it, and rubs (with a baren) to transfer the image. Registration marks (kento) keep the colors aligned.