Italian Block Print Book Papers

Italian Block Print Book Papers

April 1, 2024

This month’s Artifact of the Month is two block print book papers from Italy made by Flavia Farina Cini (1881-1979).


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Two block print book papers from Italy made by Flavia Farina Cini (1881-1979)

Tibetan Wood Block Prints

Tibetan Wood Block Prints

November 1, 2018

This month's feature is two Tibetan woodblock prints. The first print is an image of the Kalachakra Tenfold Powerful One and the second print symbolizes following Buddhism as a journey across the 'bitter sea,' or the suffering inherent in life, to reach the end of the sea, or Nirvana.


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Woodblock print 1: an image of the Kalachakra Tenfold Powerful One, which is a Buddhist mandala, or a symbol representing the universe. Woodblock print 2: symbolizes following Buddhism as a journey across the 'bitter sea', or the suffering inherent in life, to reach the end of the sea, or Nirvana.

Faulkner Wallpaper Woodblock

Faulkner Wallpaper Woodblock

October 1, 2022

This month’s Artifact of the Month is a woodblock designed by Kate Faulkner in the late 1800s (#1989.2118). The block consists of three layers of one-inch-wide wood planks laminated with nails and screws. The top layer is carved around the edges and there are outlines of a floral pattern made of brass and copper wire along with felt.


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The wood block is featured on the left side of the photo and the right has a blue floral pattern on top and the bottom has a zoom in photo of the wooden block. The wooden black has a floral pattern made of brass and copper and block it sits on is painted red.

Chinese dressing room wallpaper

Chinese dressing room wallpaper

October 1, 2021

This month’s Artifact of the Month is a sheet of Chinese dressing room wallpaper from the 20th century that was painted and woodblocked by hand. The pattern is comprised of shimmering gray-green moths, vines, and gourds on a rust-colored background. The single color of the pattern indicates that only one woodblock was used for printing. This wallpaper was clearly handmade as evidenced by the slight misalignment of the pattern on the sheet, the brushstrokes of the red background, and the varying values due to uneven pressure application.


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wall paper pattern: shimmering gray-green moths, vines, and gourds on a rust-colored background.
a close up of the pattern featuring a gray-green moth
Front note of the wallpaper
note attached to the reverse that reads “Wall paper used only for Dressing Rooms – Modern No. 4” in English
characters in traditional Chinese that have been translated as “Manufactured by 永興號”

Watercolor Painting Woodblock Prints

Watercolor Painting Woodblock Prints

June 1, 2018

This month's feature is two woodblock prints of watercolor paintings by Japanese artist Ogata Kōrin.


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A print of a deer under a maple tree with red leaves
A print of four individuals gazing at a waterfall above them

Thomas Bewick Bird Woodblock

Thomas Bewick Bird Woodblock

August 1, 2017

This month's feature is a woodblock produced by Thomas Bewick, who is a well-known British engraver from the early 17th century


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Image of the woodblock with a white substance brushed over it to reveal the intricate details in the bird's feathers
A more recent image of the woodblock without the white powder defining the individual details of the print

Chinese Woodblock for Ceremonial Papers

Chinese Woodblock for Ceremonial Papers

January 1, 2017

This month's feature is a wood-block used for Chinese ceremonial paper and collected in the early 1930's; this particular wood-block is used for printing spirit money, also called joss paper.


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Round woodblock with Chinese characters in concentric circles.
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