A paste print is an impression made in glutinous ink or upon a thick paste from a white-line engraving or metal cut. This definition outlines the key characteristics of this specific type of print.
Definition of a Paste Print
At its core, a paste print is a form of printmaking characterized by the materials used to create the impression and the source block from which it originates. Unlike standard prints that use conventional printing inks, paste prints utilize either a special kind of sticky (glutinous) ink or a thick paste as the printing medium. The image itself is derived from a block created using either a white-line engraving or a metal cut technique.
Understanding the Components
Breaking down the definition helps clarify what constitutes a paste print:
- Impression: This refers to the mark or image transferred from the printing block onto a substrate, usually paper. It's the final result of the printing process.
- Medium: The defining characteristic is the substance used to create the impression. This is either:
- Glutinous ink: A type of ink that is thick and sticky (like glue or paste).
- Thick paste: A substantial layer of paste applied to the substrate or block. The impression is made upon this layer.
- Source: The block or plate used to transfer the image is specifically either:
- White-line engraving: A method where the image is created by lines that are incised into the surface, and these incised lines print white (or the colour of the paper) while the background prints black (or the colour of the ink/paste).
- Metal cut: An image block made from metal, often using techniques similar to woodcut or wood engraving.
The Process (Implied)
Based on the definition, the process involves preparing a white-line engraving or a metal cut block. The glutinous ink or thick paste is then applied. Depending on the technique, the ink/paste might be applied to the block and then transferred to the paper, or a layer of thick paste might be applied to the paper first, and the impression is made into or upon this paste layer from the block. The use of thick, viscous materials often results in a print with a tactile, raised, or textured surface, distinguishing it from prints made with thinner inks.
Printing Sources
The source block provides the image matrix:
- White-Line Engraving: This technique is known for producing delicate images where the lines meant to show the image are cut away from the block surface.
- Metal Cut: Similar in principle to woodcuts, but utilizing metal plates which can allow for finer detail or different textures.
Distinctive Materials
The key differentiator of a paste print is the use of "glutinous ink" or "thick paste" as the printing medium. These materials are not merely carriers for pigment but are integral to the resulting impression, potentially contributing to texture, relief, or a unique visual effect not achievable with standard printing inks.
Summary Table
| Component | Description | Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Result | An impression (a print) | |
| Medium | Substance used to make the impression | Glutinous ink OR Thick paste |
| Source | Type of block or plate used to create the image | White-line engraving OR Metal cut |
