woodcut

Woodcut is a relief printmaking technique in which an image is carved into the surface of a block of wood, leaving raised areas that receive ink. The non-printing areas are removed with gouges, and ink is applied to the raised surface. The image is then transferred to paper by hand or with a press, producing strong contrasts and visible grain.

Materials and process: Hardwoods such as cherry, pear, or boxwood are commonly used, though softer woods may be employed for practice. The designer copies the image onto the block, and the artist carves away areas intended to remain white. Carving is done with gouges, knives, and mallets, with the grain and density of the wood influencing line quality and durability. For color prints, separate blocks are used for each color and must be aligned precisely (registration). In traditional Japanese woodcuts, called ukiyo-e, complex registration and multiple blocks enabled rich color effects.

History: Woodcut originated in East Asia, with early uses in China for Buddhist texts and practical prints, and later in Japan for ukiyo-e. The technique spread to Europe by the 14th and 15th centuries, where it became central to illustrated books and religious images. By the 18th and 19th centuries, woodcut remained popular in both fine art and mass production, influencing various movements and styles.

Relation to other methods: Woodcut is a relief process, unlike wood engraving (an intaglio process on end-grain, offering finer detail) and linocut (which uses linoleum as the printing surface and yields a different texture). In modern practice, woodcut continues as a respected form of artist printmaking.

Modern use: Today it is used by traditional craftspeople and contemporary artists alike for bold line, texture, and expressive surface effects in editions and standalone prints.