Abstract
In this study, an attempt was made to create a multicolor print based on a digital portrait photo. Inspired by the trend of taking a self-portrait (selfie) or using a purikura (print club) machine, and the “Cool Japan” movement, it is thought that it might be an entertaining experience to have one’s “ukiyo-e”-nized portrait. The idea is extended further to have a woodcut print because it would be more entertaining and educational to experience the printing process by oneself. Image processing techniques were employed for modifying a photo so that it had a flat-colored ukiyo-e-like expression. These pictures were further converted to produce the three-dimensional (3D) geometric data for printing the woodblocks by a 3D printer. One can print a multicolor woodcut print on paper using ink and these woodblocks by following the same production process as that for a real multicolored woodblock print. The feasibility of the idea was demonstrated by producing the woodblocks and using them to print a real multicolor print work.
