The importance of multiples was a result of the Buddhist’s devotion to the Sanskrit formulae and charms (Hind, A, B1, P64). The printing of multiples was not as important or well established before the sixth century as it is today, but that completely changed with the introduction of Tantric Buddhism. This “new” form of printing was possible as a result of the wide availability of hand-made paper, which the Chinese had invented in 105 A.D. During this time woodblock printing was also introduced into China where the first prints were made on paper. The woodblock printing process was further developed in Egypt in the sixth and seventh century A.D., which at the time was printed on textiles. The Sumerian relief impressions were unique because they were “printed” on clay as opposed to those of later centuries, which were printed on paper. Relief printmaking was believed to have originated in China but the first actual known use of relief printing predates any form of woodblock printing to about 4000 B.C. One of the most significant relief processes to be developed is the woodcut printing process.Īs well-known as it is in the printmaking community, woodblock printing did not just come into existence but instead it was developed through other relief printing processes. Each of the processes is used because it possesses a unique look and style, which differs from the others. Every single one of these printing processes was developed throughout many decades before it reached the point at which it can be used today. Some of the different relief processes that are used today include letterpress, woodcuts/ woodblock, wood engravings, and linocuts. On the other hand, the areas that were carved out will remain as negative space where the paper will show through. When inked the area on the block that was not carved out will receive the ink and will print as a positive shape. In the European process known as the Woodcut process, the ink is rolled on the block with a brayer while in the Japanese process known as the Moku Hanga process, the water-based pigments are added to the wood and then brushed with bake brushes. After all the negative space has been carved out, the block is inked according to the style desired which can include oil-based inks (European process) or water-based pigments (Japanese process). The negative areas of the drawing (white areas) are then carved out with gouges. In most cases this is done by transferring an image onto a printing block such as a piece of wood or linoleum and redrawing the image on the block so that it is as close in appearance to the finished piece. The printing process’ greatest development took place in the 15th and 16th century in Europe and in the 18th and 19th century in Japan which can be seen through a comparison and contrast of the style, technique, and use of color in the prints from two well-known artists from key regions in these countries.įor those who are not aware, Relief printing is a printmaking process in which the image area that is transferred on paper is the area on the highest level of the printing block. The process was developed independently in many parts of the world with minor cases of direct influence between different areas. These classes help stimulate and inspire our UCSC undergraduate art major students to prepare their artistic careers and expand their possibilities for study opportunities internationally.Woodblock printing is one of many Relief printmaking processes that have developed for thousands of years. Through various class activities, excursions, and cultural visits students were exposed to diverse and multi-regional art practices that broadened their perspectives and increased their understanding not only in the field of print media but in the larger contemporary visual culture. Classes included field trips to local museums and galleries, hands-on workshops at a traditional paper mill (washi) in Tokyo, and interactions with local visiting artists, master printmakers and other Japanese students. This method deeply influenced some late 19th-century Post-Impressionist artists, such as Van Gogh, Toulouse Lautrec, Edgar Degas and Edouard Manet.Īt Tokyo National University of the Arts, students studied the treasured historical skills and tools of Moku Hanga with greater understanding and appreciation. While in the Western tradition, oil-based ink is applied with a roller and printed onto the papers surface, often with the help of a press, in the Japanese tradition water-based ink is applied with a brush and, while being printed by hand, is pressed deeply into the absorbent Japanese paper. In Summer 2018 Professor Jimin Lee took a group of UCSC Art students to Japan to learn Japanese woodblock printmaking “Moku Hanga” known as the “Ukiyo-e technique” widely studied by artists today.
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