Original & Collectable
Woodblock Prints
Original woodblock prints are created by transferring ink directly from carved woodblocks onto paper. Unlike modern reproductions, they are physical examples of the traditional printmaking process and may include antique impressions, later hand-printed editions, posthumous editions and contemporary original works.
The Fine Art Hut collection brings together distinctive woodblock prints selected for their artistic quality, history, craftsmanship and collectable interest.
What Is an Original Woodblock Print?
In woodblock printmaking, the word “original” generally means that the image was printed directly from carved woodblocks rather than reproduced from a photograph, scan or digital file.
Traditional woodblock prints were commonly produced in multiple impressions. An original woodblock print is therefore not necessarily a unique artwork, first edition or first impression.
Depending on the individual work, a woodblock print may be described as an original-period impression, a later impression from the original blocks, a posthumous edition, a hand-printed edition from recut blocks or a contemporary original woodblock print.
Where known, each listing identifies the approximate period, printing method, publisher, edition and impression status. Where the precise printing date or edition cannot be verified, this will be clearly stated.
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Woodblock Prints
Original Woodblock Prints versus Reproductions
The works in this collection are printed through the woodblock process and should not be confused with modern reproductions of historic woodblock images.
Modern reproductions are produced from digitised images using contemporary printing methods. Those works are offered separately through our Japanese Woodblock Print Reproductions collection and are clearly identified as reproduction art prints.
How Woodblock Prints Are Made
The artist first develops a design and transfers it to a prepared woodblock. Using carving tools, the artist removes the areas that should remain blank. Ink is then rolled onto the raised surface of the block, paper is placed over the block, and pressure is applied by hand or press. The paper is lifted to reveal the printed image.
For multi-colour woodblock prints, separate blocks may be carved and printed for each colour.
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Japanese Woodblock Print Reproductions
Original Screenprints
Original Drawings and Works on Paper