Sonny & Biddy's Tampopo edition is a feast for the eyes.
Here at White Duck Editions, we’re always thrilled to work on standout projects that push the boundaries of screenprinting. The latest limited edition poster for Tampopo by Sonny & Biddy, in collaboration with Black Dragon Press in the UK and Made By Mutant in the US, is one of those projects that genuinely showcases the artistry and technical craftsmanship of screenprinting. Sonny & Biddy’s collaborations with Black Dragon Press are always highly anticipated, and Tampopo is no exception.
For those unfamiliar, Tampopo is a cult classic from the 1980s, directed by Jûzô Itami. Described as a “ramen western,” the film blends comedy and drama, centring around one woman’s quest to perfect her ramen recipe. The movie is packed with stunning food visuals, which Made By Mutant perfectly summed up as “some of the best-looking food ever seen on screen.”
The poster for Tampopo brilliantly captures the film’s whimsical and vibrant energy, making it a visual feast.
Bringing this poster to life was no small feat. Sonny & Biddy’s design features intricate line work and a striking blend of colours, which presented a unique challenge when it came to the screenprinting process. We worked closely with Biddy to finalize the artwork and ensure every detail was captured perfectly.
The result is a 7-color, 18"x 24" screenprint that genuinely showcases the depth and richness of the design. Each layer of colour interacts with the next in a seamless flow, and the critical intersections of lines require precision at every step.
One aspect of the process we’re particularly proud of is how we managed the trap lines. In many screenprints, these lines are used to ensure proper alignment between layers of colour. For Tampopo, we hid all trap lines, leaving behind a clean, polished print where the colours appear to blend effortlessly. This attention to detail allows the poster to shine, free from any visible marks of the technical process.
At White Duck Editions, we love projects that challenge and allow us to collaborate with talented artists. The Tampopo poster is not just a celebration of a beloved film but also a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of Sonny & Biddy.
If you’d like to own this screenprinted art (at the time of writing), a few copies are still available at Black Dragon Press—but they won’t last long!
We’re incredibly proud to have been part of this project, and we look forward to what Sonny & Biddy have in store next.