Xylography:Interpretation of Wood plank

Abstract

As the necessary pressure is applied when the wood block (matrix) is brought in contact with a paper, the inked image is transferred onto it. Prints made with relief process, usually have bold and sharp black and white or distinct tonal areas. However, instead of a horizontally cut wood plank, vertical cross section cut from fine-grained wood are used for finer details. An image made this way is called Wood Engraving. The tools used for this are also different. Apart from the texture of the wood, relief prints would also show the character of tools used for cutting and the manner in which artists has used them. Each artist has a personal way of creating the image and handling the tools. Wood engraved blocks were used for publishing and such industrial printing until photo engraving took over. Illustrations for storybooks, textbooks, adverts etc. were also printed from such hand engraved wood blocks.