主おも版はん

noun

key block (woodblock printing)

Technical term in traditional Japanese woodblock printing (ukiyo-e). The key block carries the main outlines and is printed first, usually in black.

• 浮うき世よ絵えでは、まず主おも版はんを彫ほり、それから色いろ版はんを作つくる。

  In ukiyo-e, the key block is carved first, and then the color blocks are made.