Final answer:
Woodblock printing was used for creating multiple copies of texts and artwork, including ukiyo-e prints in Japan and Gutenberg's Bible in Europe. The process involved several artisans in Japan, while in Europe Gutenberg's movable metal type revolutionized printing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Woodblock printing was a revolutionary process that facilitated the mass production of various texts and artworks, which included religious scriptures, literature, maps, and artistic prints. One of the most renowned uses of woodblock printing was in the production of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period (17th to 19th century).
This style is often associated with beautiful, colorful prints depicting scenes from the 'floating world' which covered a wide variety of subjects, from landscapes and scenes of daily life to images of courtesans and actors.
The production of ukiyo-e prints was a collaborative process involving four main artisans: the artist or designer, the block carver, the printer, and the publisher. Similarly, an iconic woodblock print by Albrecht Dürer, 'The Rhinoceros' made in 1515, exemplifies the use of this technique in Europe, highlighting its widespread influence and the ability to produce multiple copies of a work.
The mechanism developed by Johannes Gutenberg, involving movable metal type, significantly enhanced the woodblock printing process. Around 1440 in Germany, Gutenberg's press enabled the production of 180 copies of what is now known as the Gutenberg Bible, igniting a printing revolution in Europe. Gutenberg's process included creating individual letters on blocks of metal, arranging them into pages of text, and using the press to produce multiple copies.