What is the ancient art of block printing?

Ghonched

in “Kadoo” & “AAb”

So, what is block printing? This lovely and ancient craft has been a crucial part of textile development throughout history. Block printing is a traditional method where a design is carefully carved into a block—usually made of wood or linoleum —and then pressed onto a chosen surface, such as paper or fabric, to transfer the pattern.

Wood has been the primary material for block printing for centuries, prized for its durability and ability to hold fine details. However, carving wood requires exceptional talent and skill, so linoleum, a more modern alternative, is softer and easier to carve—and it’s what I use for my prints.

It’s worth mentioning that the roots of block printing stretch back thousands of years, with early examples found in China around 200 AD and later spreading across Asia, including Persia and India. The method was originally used to reproduce texts and create decorative patterns on textiles and paper. I believe the technique’s longevity speaks to its beauty and versatility—and its worthiness of exploration. We should not let these beautiful cultural heritages be forgotten.

What I love most about block printing is its repetitive nature—each print is slightly unique, creating a calming, meditative rhythm in the process. For me, it’s similar to the rhythm of yoga—very calming and giving me the opportunity to think and reflect. Also, every time you press the block onto paper and lift it off, the shape is slightly different. This subtle variation adds character and warmth to every piece, making the art feel alive and handcrafted.

By the way, I learned block printing through Molly Mahon’s Creative Academy online course, which I highly recommend for anyone interested in this beautiful craft!