Blockprint

Blockprint is a relief-printing technique in which ink is applied to raised areas of a carved printing block and transferred to a substrate such as paper or fabric. The block is carved so that the design remains in relief; when inked and pressed, the raised surfaces print the image.

Materials used include wood blocks (woodblock printing), linoleum blocks (linocut), and other relief blocks made of rubber or polymer. The typical workflow starts with a design drawn on paper and transferred to the block, followed by carving away the negative areas. After inking with a roller or brayer, the block is pressed onto the substrate by hand or with a press to transfer the image. For color work, multiple blocks or color blocks with careful registration are employed to align different impressions.

Origins and use: Block printing has ancient roots in East Asia, where woodblock printing supported books and illustrations from early medieval times. In Japan, it flourished for ukiyo-e prints during the Edo period. In Europe, woodcuts appeared in the 15th century for book illustrations and later found use in textiles and decorative arts. Traditional textile block printing remains common in various regions, producing repeats of patterns by stamping with carved blocks.

Technique notes: Consistent ink application, precise carving, and reliable registration are important for quality multi-color editions. Blockprinting yields bold, graphic imagery with a tactile surface and is valued for its reproducibility and artisanal character.