Puidulõige

Puidulõige, often translated as woodcut, is a relief printing technique in which an artist engraves an image onto a block of wood. The wood is then inked, and the image is transferred to paper or another surface. The artist carves away the parts of the wood that will not be printed, leaving the desired image raised. This raised surface is then inked and pressed onto the printing material.

This method has a long history, dating back to ancient China, and became widely used in Europe during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. Woodcuts were instrumental in the spread of knowledge and art before the invention of the printing press. Artists like Albrecht Dürer famously used woodcuts to create intricate and detailed artworks.

The process typically involves selecting a block of wood, often from a fruitwood tree like pear or apple, which has a fine, even grain. The artist draws or transfers their design onto the surface. Using sharp knives and gouges, they carefully carve away the areas that should remain white in the final print. Once the block is prepared, it is inked with a roller, and paper is placed on top and rubbed or pressed to transfer the ink. The resulting print reveals the image in reverse of how it was carved. Puidulõige is known for its bold lines and graphic qualities, often possessing a distinct textural feel due to the nature of the material.