puupainatus

Puupainatus is a form of relief print produced by carving an image into a wooden block. Ink is applied to the surface of the block, the raised areas pick up ink, and paper is pressed against the block to transfer the image. Carving removes the non-image areas, and the wood’s grain often influences line quality and shading. In traditional practice, artists use gouges and knives to create tonal effects, with darker tones achieved by cross-hatching or denser carving.

Blocks can be printed singly or in multiple colors. Color prints typically require separate blocks for each color and careful registration to align the impressions. The technique has been used for book illustrations, posters, and standalone art prints. Wooden blocks from hardwood sources such as boxwood or pear were commonly chosen for durability and fine grain.

Historically, puupainatus has roots in European printmaking and was widely used before the advent of mechanized printing. In Finland, it formed part of the broader graphic arts tradition, used by illustrators and artists for reproducible images and for artistic experimentation. In modern times, puupainatus continues to be practiced by contemporary printmakers who value the tactile quality of wood and the possibilities of hand-printed editions.