Woodcut Printing

The folk art of woodcut printing is a combination of woodblock carving and hand painting.In ancient times,the prints were mass-produced and displayed for those who could not read.That's why they feature simple lines in bright and warm colors.

China has a history of copying woodcut prints for thousands of years, and the Ming and Qing Dynasties were the peak period of China's printmaking. In the 19th century that woodcut prints entered the new creation stage.

Woodcut printing plays an important role in both Eastern and western art history.

The wood used in woodcut printing is also very particular. The best wood is considered to be one with a texture that gives a special artistic effect, such as the prized whitebark pine and mandrake. For commercial printing, eucommia, pear, white fruit, birch, jujube and basswood are fine and hard woods. Small pieces of boxwood were used to cut private seals on letters and documents.

The creation of a woodcut printing needs to go through four steps, from drafting to engraving,inking and grinding,which takes at least a week to complete.

The creators of these wood-block paintings are people living in Zhengzhou.They observe the city from a younger perspective and express their love for Zhengzhou through engraving techniques.