Woodblock printing, also known as wood printing or xylography, is among the oldest known printing techniques. Until the 20th century, many artists used this method to create artistic works. It is preferred for designs can be easily transferred to the wood printing mold with the help of simple materials.

What is Woodblock Printing?

Woodblock printing is a painting technique with a special method. It is a method of painting made using a wooden printing templet. Woodprinting requires a tree with a flat surface. After the picture is drawn on the tree, the surplus parts of the wood are cut.

In the excavation painting style using woodblock patterns, all the lines that make up the painting are carved on the woodblock plate high above the ground. Thus, protrusions are formed on the tree surface. These protrusions are painted with ink and printed on paper. The tree must be drawn upside down on the block, as the image will reverse the view.

Wood printing method is among the first printing techniques. The method, which was found and developed in China, became widespread in Europe, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries.

What are the Features of Wood Printing?

Wood print is unique in many ways. Here are the features of wood printing:

• Thanks to the prints made on natural materials, each block has its own unique design.

• Color intensity is unique. Pictures printed on wooden blocks may turn yellow. Although it is not water or heat resistant, it helps to maintain its quality for a long time.

• It is practical, easy to work with.

• It is possible to display wood prints in various ways. It can be applied on both fabric and accessories.

• It is durable. Wood prints are extremely flexible and durable. It can be used for decorative purposes.

How to Apply Woodblock Printing?

First of all, it is necessary to obtain woodblock materials. In order to apply the materials, a wood block with a flat surface should be preferred. The desired picture can be drawn on the wood block. It can be painted in the desired color. The places other than the picture drawn on the block are cut with the help of a cutting tool. After the cutting process is finished, ink is applied to the picture obtained. It is pasted on a suitable piece of paper. This process takes the trace of the rem on the wood. The pattern on the paper should not be removed straight. It should be removed upside down. Therefore, one has to draw the picture upside down. This is an issue that needs attention.

Woodblock art requires blocks from cherry, sycamore, pear and beech trees. The woods preferred for printing should have a soft structure. It is important for wood printing that they have a smooth and soft structure. Although ink is used in woodcut art, today paint is used for woodblock printing. The paint is fed into the wood print with the help of a sponge. After this process, wood printing is done on fabric or another area.

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