Sosaku Baren Set (Fine, Strong)

Product Overview

Two barens. Two different jobs. One complete printing set.

Designed and made in-house by Michihamono in Japan. This is not a standard baren sourced from another manufacturer. The Michihamono Original Baren was developed from the ground up by us specifically for Japanese woodblock printing, and is produced in-house with our own original construction.

For this special set, we have combined our two different barens — FINE for delicate lines and subtle printing, and STRONG for solid areas and powerful printing. Together, they give printmakers the ability to change the pressure and printing character according to the block.

Why Two Barens?

In Japanese woodblock printing, the same amount and type of pressure is not ideal for every part of a print. Fine carved lines require control and sensitivity, while large solid areas require stronger and more effective pressure to transfer color evenly. That is why we created two different barens.

FINE — feel the detail, control the pressure

The FINE version uses a finer 4-coil core, allowing the printmaker to work with greater sensitivity and control. It is designed for areas where too much pressure can overpower delicate details. Recommended for:

• Fine carved lines
• Detailed key blocks
• Delicate printing
• Bokashi gradation
• Lighter or more sensitive printing work

STRONG — more contact, more pressure, stronger transfer

The STRONG version uses a more substantial 8-coil core, creating a stronger contact pattern and allowing pressure to be transferred efficiently across larger printing areas. Recommended for:

• Large solid-color areas
• Flat color printing
• Stronger impressions
• Larger printing surfaces
• Thicker paper

FINE + STRONG

Rather than asking one baren to do everything, this set allows you to select the tool according to the image you are printing.

• Fine line → FINE
• Bokashi → FINE
• Solid color → STRONG
• Large area → STRONG

Switching between the two gives you greater control over the character of the finished print. Detail when you need it. Power when you need it.

An Original Michihamono Design

The Michihamono Baren is one of our completely original products. We designed the internal structure ourselves and manufacture the baren in-house in Japan. Our goal was to create a practical baren that provides serious printing performance while remaining accessible to a wide range of printmakers.

Every part has a purpose:

• The internal core is made by twisting paper cord to create a raised working structure.
• The cord is then impregnated and hardened with varnish to improve durability and moisture resistance.
• The supporting disc is made from ABS resin, a stable material that is less susceptible to warping and dimensional change.
• The printing surface is then covered with traditional bamboo sheath.

It combines traditional Japanese woodblock printing principles with Michihamono’s own approach to materials and construction.

Bamboo Sheath Printing Surface

The outer printing surface is wrapped in bamboo sheath, as used in traditional Japanese barens. The bamboo surface glides across the back of the printing paper while transmitting pressure from the internal core to the block below.

For smoother movement, apply a very small amount of vegetable oil to the bamboo sheath before printing. During use, gradually rotate the inner support position so that the bamboo sheath wears as evenly as possible. Proper care will help maintain smooth and consistent printing performance.

Important Care Note

• The outer surface is made from natural bamboo sheath, which may become more prone to splitting when very dry.
• To prevent uneven wear, do not use the baren in the same position continuously.
• Use the marlin mark as a guide and gradually rotate the baren as you print.

Rotate as you print for longer-lasting, more even performance.