Chine Colle

Chine-collé is an intriguing and delicate printmaking technique that combines the aesthetics of both collage and printmaking. Known for its ability to give print work both texture and depth, Chine Colle has a storied history and continues to be appreciated by artists for its versatility. This article delves into its origins, technique, and the process of creating a Chine Colle print.

History

Chine-collé dates back to the 19th century, though the origins of its name reflect an even older history. The term is derived from the French word “Chine,” meaning China, and “collé,” meaning glued or pasted. This refers to the traditional use of thin papers made in China or Japan that were glued to a heavier backing sheet during the printing process.

Chinese and Japanese papers, such as rice paper or kozo, were highly prized in Europe due to their fine texture and thinness. These papers were light and delicate, making them ideal for this type of printmaking, where the artwork could retain intricate details while adding a new dimension through the texture and translucency of the thin paper. In the 19th century, European artists began to experiment with this technique, especially within the realms of etching and lithography. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Rouault used Chine-collé in their prints to achieve luminous effects. The combination of the thin paper and the printed image made it possible to create delicate, almost ethereal works of art, enhancing contrast and color.

The Technique Behind Chine Colle

Chine-collé is a technique where a lightweight, often colored or textured paper is bonded to a heavier support sheet (usually a traditional printmaking paper like Arches or Rives) while simultaneously transferring the printed image onto the thin paper. This results in the printed image being on the delicate paper, which is then adhered to the sturdier backing.

This process allows for several unique effects:

Color and Texture Enhancement: The thin paper can add a subtle hue to the print or create a unique textural quality.

Dimension and Depth: Chine-collé provides a layered look, with the print sitting on a different plane than the backing paper.

Fine Detail Preservation: Thin papers pick up extremely fine details from the printing plate, which may not transfer as clearly onto thicker paper.

Additionally, Chine-collé can add a collage-like aesthetic, giving artists freedom to experiment with multi-media elements in their prints.

Printing Process of Chine colle

Creating a Chine-collé print requires both skill and patience. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the traditional Chine-collé printing process.

1. Preparation of Materials

Image preparation: The artist prepares an image on a printing plate, usually through etching, lithography, or intaglio methods. The plate can be metal, stone, or even wood depending on the specific printing technique being used.

Thin paper selection: The thin paper (often crepe paper or Japanese washi paper) is chosen for its translucency, color, and texture. This paper is usually much more delicate than the thicker backing sheet.

Adhesive application: The artist coats one side of the thin paper with an adhesive. Traditionally, a starch-based paste is used. Today, some artists also use glues or other adhesives that work well with the printing press.

2. Applying the Chine-collé Paper

Placement of the thin paper: Once the adhesive is applied, the thin paper is carefully placed onto the inked plate. It must be positioned correctly, as any shifts or wrinkles will show in the final print.

Backing paper: The heavier backing paper is dampened and placed on top of the thin paper, forming a sandwich with the inked plate below. The dampening ensures the thin paper adheres well when pressure is applied.

3. Printing and Bonding

Pressure and printing: The printing plate, thin paper, and backing paper are run through a printing press. The pressure from the press transfers the ink from the plate onto the thin paper and simultaneously bonds the thin paper to the backing sheet.

Drying: The print is carefully removed from the press and allowed to dry flat, often under blotting paper to prevent any warping. Once dry, the result is a finely detailed print on a delicate layer of thin paper, which is bonded seamlessly to the thicker backing.

4. Finishing Touches

Trimming and framing: Once dry, the artist may trim the edges of the print to size or prepare it for framing. Chine-collé prints are often admired for their fragility and textural contrast, making them perfect for display in a fine art setting.

Variations in the Chine colle Technique

While the traditional process remains popular, many modern artists have adapted Chine-collé to their unique styles. Some variations include:

Hand-cut Collage: Instead of covering the entire print with a thin sheet, artists might use smaller, hand-cut pieces of thin paper to accent specific parts of the image.

Multiple Layers: Some artists use multiple layers of Chine-collé paper, stacking thin sheets of different colors or textures for a more complex visual effect.

Non-traditional Materials: While the technique originally relied on Chinese and Japanese papers, today, artists may use everything from tissue paper to gold leaf as the thin material, allowing for greater creative freedom.

The Impact of Chine colle in Contemporary Art

Today, Chine-collé continues to be a valued technique in the world of printmaking. Its ability to blend the precision of traditional printmaking with the flexibility and creativity of collage allows for dynamic and varied results. Contemporary artists often use the process to explore themes of transparency, fragility, and texture, resulting in artworks that feel both modern and timeless.

Chine-collé also resonates with those interested in the history of materials. Using papers from different cultures (such as Japanese kozo or Chinese rice paper) infuses the artwork with a cross-cultural significance that spans centuries and geographical boundaries.

Chine-collé is a beautiful and complex printmaking technique that brings together history, craftsmanship, and creativity. Its origins, tied to the import of delicate papers from China and Japan, give it a rich background, while the process itself allows for the preservation of fine details and the enhancement of printed images through texture, color, and layering. Whether used by traditional printmakers or contemporary artists, Chine-collé remains a versatile and captivating technique in the printmaking world.