Chine‑collé (Shin‑Kolle)
Chine‑collé is a printmaking technique in which an image is transferred onto thin paper (or another delicate material) that is simultaneously adhered to a sturdier backing sheet during the printing process.
How the technique works
During printing:
The thin paper (e.g., Japanese washi, rice paper) is moistened and placed onto an inked printing plate (etching, lithograph, etc.);
Adhesive is applied to the paper;
A heavier backing sheet is placed on top;
The entire «sandwich» is run through a printing press.
Result
The ink transfers onto the thin paper;
The thin paper bonds to the backing sheet;
The resulting print is a two‑layer impression with a delicate textured «underlay» beneath the image.
Origin of the name
Chine — from French Chine («China»; originally, the thin paper was imported from China, Japan, and India);
Collé — «glued» or «adhered» (French).
Why chine‑collé is used
For delicate materials. It allows printing on extremely fine paper that would otherwise not withstand the pressure of the press.
For colored backgrounds. The thin layer can be colored or textured, creating a special ground beneath the image.
For subtlety and expressiveness. It produces more delicate, finely detailed impressions compared to printing on heavy paper.
Typical materials
Thin paper: washi (Japanese), linen paper, tissue paper, etc.;
Backing sheet: heavyweight paper or cardboard;
Adhesive: traditional plant‑based glue, sometimes diluted starch or a specialized adhesive;
Printing plate: etching, lithograph, woodcut, linocut, etc.
Applications
Fine art prints (artist’s proofs, limited editions);
Book illustrations;
Artist’s portfolios/books;
Experimental printmaking.
Note: Chine‑collé is often confused with collage, but it is specifically a printmaking technique involving adhesion during the impression process—not pasting pre‑cut pieces after printing.
