Chine Colle

Chine-collé

The art of Chine Colle is a printmaking technique from the French chine = China, and collé, meaning glued or pasted. The image is transferred to a sheet of paper, which is then adhered to a heavier paper or support. This printmaking method often makes use of Japanese Washi because of the strength of long Kozo fibers.

This technique allows the artist to print with greater detail on very delicate surfaces such as Washi. Using thinner or more translucent papers allows for the possibility of the backing sheet color or image to be seen through.