Linocut - A Set of 3 Rare Ainu Linocuts of Forestry Trains of Hokkaido

In a country known for it's Shinkansen (bullet trains), the rhythmic chugging of the locomotives to the billowing clouds of steam evokes a sense of unbridled nostalgia for all rail enthusiasts. These forestry trains trundle under the silent gaze of Mount Eniwa, Mount Fuppushi and Mount Tarumae carrying timber from the lush forests for the logging industry.

Young Ainu printmakers have painstakingly created this linocut by carving contours and textures on a humble block of linoleum to simulate local scenery surrounding Lake Shikotusu. Japanese linocut tools require more skill to handle and are typically only used by advanced artists in the West.

Limited edition. Professionally framed and ready to hang.

Dimensions: 44cm width, 25.6 cm height

Product Story

"Konichiwa", the staff behind the desk at Aomori's ferry terminal greet us with typical Japanese alacrity. It's 7 a.m. and we feel utterly exhausted. Having driven over 700km from Tokyo's Narita airport over the past couple of days to make it this far, it is perhaps inevitable.

• Read about the landscape that inspires these linocuts