Japanese Traditional Printing "Ukiyo-e" in a Virtual Space

Shinji Mizuno¹, Minoru Okada², Shinji Yamamoto³, and Jun-ichiro Toriwaki⁴

¹Computer Center, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Japan
²Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Japan
³Department of Knowledge-based Information Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Japan
⁴Department of Information Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8503, Japan

(Received September 17, 2001; Accepted October 23, 2001)

Keywords: Virtual Sculpting, Virtual Printing, Non-Photorealistic Rendering, Japanese Printing, Ukiyo-e

Abstract. We present an interactive CG (Computer Graphics) design system based on virtual woodblock printing, with the stress on an aspect of a tool to enjoy creation in a virtual space. This system is a simulation of real woodblock printing: generating a woodblock, spreading inks on the woodblock, putting a paper sheet on the woodblock, and rubbing the paper sheet with a Japanese squeegee "BAREN" in a virtual space. Using several virtual woodblocks with virtual inks of different colors, a multicolor print like a Japanese traditional print "Ukiyo-e" can be created. The user can enjoy printing a virtual "Ukiyo-e" with techniques of real printing without special knowledge of CG in this system.