- BY ISSIMO
- December 5, 2024
Xilografia, xylography, or woodcut printing, is one of those very particular art forms that intrigues you the more you explore it. For centuries, this relief printing technique has seen skilled artists around the world carve intricate patterns, motifs and scenes into the surface of wood blocks, which are then inked and printed onto paper or other materials. Italy in particular has a significant history and heritage of xilografia both from an artistic, decorative, and cultural perspective. Artists, artisans and prominent families (particularly in and around the cities of Florence and Venice) made their name by producing immaculate prints and papers using the xilografia technique, some of them even going on to establish artisanal printing presses that are still crafting these immaculate papers today and exporting them around the world.
The research and development journey for our latest ISSIMO X Choosing Keeping stationery collection means we’ve had our eyes and ears open for anything relating to ‘paper’, ‘Italy’ and ‘heritage’. Needless to say, once we started looking deeper into the xilografia Italiana archives, we were rather mesmerised.
History and heritage: Italy’s Decorative Xilografia
Xilografia, referring here to the technique for producing finely decorated papers, made its way to Itay in the 14th century where it immediately became an artisanal hallmark in and around major cities like Venice and Florence where there was a regular exchange of materials, ideas and artistic influences.
Blending technical mastery, creative expiration and cultural richness in every carved line, these intricate sheets feature vibrant colours and captivating designs that reflected not only a dedication to craft but also Italy’s enduring reverence for tradition.
Following this early period, Italy’s legacy of artisanal paper production strengthened thanks to visionary artisans like the Remondini family. Founded in 1657, the Remondini printing house in Bassano (near Venice) earned a worldwide reputation for crafting immaculate prints, papers and books using the woodblock printing technique.
Their work, which can be explored at the Remondini Museum in Bassano del Grappa, offers a window into an era when hand printed papers were treasured creations, celebrated for their technical innovation, artistry, and their cultural significance.
The evolution of Xilografie in Italy
Today, modern Italian artisans continue this tradition of xilografia, producing both printed artwork and decorative objects that reflect the same technical precision and creativity.
Designs originating in the 1930s are still reproduced, each directly connected to a specific Italian region — such as Florence, with patterns and designs reflecting the city’s rich artistic heritage pre-dating Renaissance times. These motifs are more than decorations; they are symbolic of local identity and feature intricate designs inspired by regional ceramics, carpets, and engravings. In fact, every time we visit the city we make sure to stock up on sheets of this beautiful paper crafted by local artisans! Each print results from careful craftsmanship, requiring a new hand-carved block for every colour applied. Indeed, patience is a virtue when it comes to xilografia.
The enduring charm of Xilografia
From wrapping paper to notebooks, from greeting cards to home decor items, we could fill our entire office with the printed xylografia treasures we’ve collected on our travels through Italy. Elegant and detailed, the prints, designs and motifs never seem to lose their intrigue, evoking the essence of Italian artistry and artisanal traditions. They also make perfect gifts for friends and family members who are artistically inclined, or who are intrigued by Italy’s culture and artistic heritage.
In an age of digital design, xilografia prints remind us to celebrate the joy of the ‘handmade’; the passion and artisanal skill that goes into crafting each piece. They are not just artworks and beautifully crafted objects, they are a homage to Italy’s timeless elegance and artistic spirit.
