China engraved block printing technique

The China Engraved Block Printing Technique is a traditional method of printing that involves manually carving characters and images into wooden blocks, which are then inked and pressed onto paper. This meticulous and highly skilled craft was inscribed in 2009 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is one of the oldest printing techniques in the world and has played a fundamental role in preserving and transmitting Chinese culture, literature, religion and philosophy.

This technique encompasses a complete production process that includes paper-making, brush calligraphy, block carving and printing. It reflects the deep interconnection between craftsmanship and intellectual life in traditional Chinese society, and is a living expression of cultural continuity.

The origins of the China Engraved Block Printing Technique date back to the Tang dynasty (618–907), with the Diamond Sutra, printed in 868, often cited as the earliest known printed book using engraved block printing. The practice flourished during the Song dynasty (960–1279), when it became widely adopted for reproducing Buddhist texts, Confucian classics, scientific treatises and works of literature.

During the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, engraved block printing developed into a highly sophisticated art form. Centers such as Hangzhou and Yangzhou became known for their exquisite craftsmanship and elegant publications. Printing houses operated at scale, with specialized artisans responsible for each stage: calligraphers wrote the original text, carvers engraved the reversed characters into pear wood blocks, and printers applied ink and pressed sheets of handmade paper to produce the final prints.

With the rise of modern printing technologies in the 20th century, the traditional technique gradually declined. However, it has never disappeared entirely. Today, the engraved block printing technique survives in several regions, most notably Yangzhou and Nanjing of Jiangsu province and Dege county of Sichuan province, where dedicated artisans and cultural institutions continue to practice and promote it.