Antique/ vintage large collection of 36 printing blocks metal and wood amazing!

Antique/ vintage large collection of 36 printing blocks metal and wood amazing! These printers blocks showing lovely art nouveau patterns etc would be an amazing display piece. I believe some are antique Victorian and some may be early 20th century.

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15 small metal backed ones 2cm square average

5 medium 3 cm square average

15 larger ones 10 cm long average

Larger are wooden backed

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Some age related wear. They could still be used. I would think they were originally used as silk / fabric prints etc. May sell individually or as groups. Please contact us for pricing etc objetdart.stuff@gmail.com

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Block printing's history began in ancient Asia, with the earliest examples in China around 2,000 years ago, where it was used for texts like the 868 AD Diamond Sutra. From there, it spread to India, where it flourished into a significant art form, especially under the Mughal Empire, and then to the rest of the world through trade routes. Today, this ancient craft is being revived and adapted for modern use.

Origins and spread

China: The earliest known examples of block printing are from China, with the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) using it to reproduce Buddhist scriptures. The earliest dated example is the Diamond Sutra, from 868 AD.

India: Block printing arrived in India and developed into a highly celebrated craft, particularly in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Before the Mughal era, designs were mainly geometric, but the Mughal period introduced more intricate motifs like animals and fruit.

Europe: The technique took many centuries to reach Europe, where it became known as woodcut for printing on paper.

Impact and evolution

Mughal influence: The Mughal Empire, starting in the early 16th century, used block-printed textiles extensively as status symbols, which led to the art form's peak.

Trade and decline: European trade, particularly via the British East India Company, helped spread the technique worldwide. However, the Industrial Revolution's mechanical printers in the UK led to the decline of some Indian handmade industries, as they could not compete with large-scale production.

Modern revival: There has been a resurgence of interest in block printing since the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the craft is being used for both traditional purposes and in modern fashion and home decor, with many designers and artisans working to preserve the heritage while creating new designs.