Alternativec. 1850
Chine-collé
Bonding tissue paper to a print as it's pressed.
A sheet of fine coloured tissue is glued to backing paper in the same pass through an intaglio or relief press, adding colour and contrast.
A thin colored paper is glued to a heavier sheet at the same moment a print is pressed onto it.
- ▸Place the thin paper, glue side up, on the inked plate.
- ▸Lay the backing paper on top and run it all through the press together.
- ▸The print, the colored paper, and the bond all happen in one squeeze.
History
Adopted in 19th-century French printmaking to reproduce Asian papers and tones. Used heavily by Whistler, Degas, and contemporary printmakers.
Process
- 01
Cut tissue to the shape of the print area.
- 02
Brush wheat-starch paste on the back of the tissue.
- 03
Place tissue paste-side-up on the inked plate.
- 04
Lay damp backing paper on top.
- 05
Run through the press; pressure bonds and prints simultaneously.
Strengths
- +Adds colour & texture
- +Single press pass
- +Archival when starch-bonded
Limitations
- −Tissue tears easily
- −Registration tricky
- −Adds steps
Sources & citations
References for the history and process described above.
- 01Chine-collé — MoMA — Glossary of Art Terms
- 02Chine-collé Technique — Tate