Mokulito

"Mokulito" is a form of printmaking based on principles of lithography using wood as a printing matrix instead of limestone. The technique was developed by professor Seishi Ozaku, in Japan in the 1970’s under the name Mokurito. Josef Budka and his daughter Ewa have realised further development of the process in Poland in the last decade. In Japanese, Mokurito translates as Moku meaning wood, while 'rito' or 'lito' is short for lithograph. Both terms are used but most English speakers prefer 'Mokulito'. 

Mokulito is curiously both a relief and lithographic print process because of the choice of wood as the printing substrate. The wood can be 'processed' to act as a lithograph and carved away to be printed like a relief print. This combination of techniques in a single matrix makes it a unique printing process with countless challenges and applications.