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Museum Hours
Thu: 1 PM–8 PM
Fri–Mon: 10 AM–5 PM
Tue–Wed: Closed
Location
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.581.3500
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How to Read a Woodblock Print

Learn how to read a woodblock print.

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How to Read a Woodblock Print

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How to Read a Woodblock Print
How to Read a Woodblock Print
How to Read a Woodblock Print
How to Read a Woodblock Print

On Japanese woodblock prints, there are blocks of writing which identify the print’s title, series, artist, publisher, and other people involved in its production. These blocks are usually found in the same place, although their locations can vary. Japanese characters (kanji) are read from right to left, top to bottom. View the diagram above and/or download the PDF for a visual guide on how to read a woodblock print.

 
 

Related Resources

Activity

Create an Abstract Dreamscape

In this activity, you will create an art piece inspired by the work of Bernice Bing. 

GRADE LEVEL: Early Elementary School (K-3), Elementary School (4-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
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Activity

Samurai: Design Your Own Symbol

The imagery on a samurai’s armor expresses that samurai’s identity and source of inspiration or empowerment. Is there an image you connect with most?

GRADE LEVEL: Elementary School (4-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/B87W1-600x450.png 1x, https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/B87W1-1200x900.png 2x

Activity

Ancient China: Design Your Own Bronze Vessel

If you were to design a bronze vessel for a friend who has done something important for you, what shape would you make it? How would you decorate it? Would you use designs like the ones on the bronze vessels in the museum? What would you inscribe on it?

GRADE LEVEL: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/01/Bronze_Vessel_Rhino-600x450.png 1x, https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/01/Bronze_Vessel_Rhino-1200x900.png 2x

Activity

Reflection: I was, I am, I will be

How would you answer Chanel Miller’s “I was, I am, I will be” prompt? Would your answers look like Miller’s, or would they look different?

GRADE LEVEL: High School (9-12), College and Beyond
https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Chanel_Miller_Gallery-600x450.jpg 1x, https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Chanel_Miller_Gallery-1200x900.jpg 2x

Activity

Reflection: Inside/Outside

Visible from Hyde Street outside the Asian Art Museum are Chanel Miller’s I was, I am, I will be, Jas Charanjiva’s Don’t Mess With Me, and Jenifer K Wofford’s Pattern Recognition.

GRADE LEVEL: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/artists-600x450.jpg 1x, https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/artists-1200x900.jpg 2x

Activity

Mapping Your Special Space

Personal Space (2001), a layered, dreamlike painting by Kolkata-based artist Jayashree Chakravarty, is an imaginary map built up from painted strips of paper. In this activity, create your own map based on your special place.

GRADE LEVEL: Elementary School (4-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/Jayashree_Chakravarty_01-600x450.jpg 1x, https://education.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/Jayashree_Chakravarty_01-1200x900.jpg 2x