Mokuhanga is a Japanese woodblock technique most notably used in the ukiyo-e genre between the 17th and 19th centuries. Mokuhanga uses water-based inks and produces a wide range of vivid colours, glazes and transparencies. Unlike many traditional printmaking techniques, no press is used in mokuhanaga printing; instead a flat hand-held tool called a baren is used to press the paper against the inked woodblock. The baren is made from bamboo leaves twisted into a rope of varying thicknesses.