This kirin (or asian unicorn) is who I think of when the phrase "distinguished gentleman" comes to mind. I loved him so much that I decided to immortalize him in a woodcut. This edition of prints was printed in the moku hanga or Japanese woodcut style of printing.

I first carved the outline of the sketch and printed an edition of sumizuri-e (or strictly sumi ink based) prints. From there, I created 4 more woodblocks to create his various colors. The gradation is a technique in Japanese woodblock printing called bokashi. It is achieved by printing several receding passes of color. The color combinations reminded me of a ripe strawberry so he was dubbed the Strawberry Roan.

Each print was pulled by hand on kozo paper. The inks were ground by hand and used fresh for the print edition. Print standards were observed during the printing to guarantee the continuity quality throughout the edition. Keep in mind that the number in the edition you purchase may not match the number featured in this image. Each print in this edition is 6.5" x 11," mounted to an acid free backing, and matted out to an outside dimension of 8" x 12" with an acid free mat. They are housed in a clear plastic sleeve for shipping.