An exhibition of China engraved block printing is opening at the Changzhou Museum from July 14 to September 5 in cooperation with the Yangzhou Museum.

China engraved block printing began in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and saw significant development during the Tang Dynasty. Then during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), engraved block printing advanced greatly with the rise of color printing, moving beyond single-color prints of the past.

The printing technique is one of the most remarkable contributions of China to the world civilization as it significantly enhanced the dissemination of knowledge and information. It served as a powerful driving force for societal development, spread of religious ideas, popularization of science, technological progress and cultural exchanges.

(CFP Photo)

The exhibition is divided into four parts, focusing on the origin of engraved printing, the printing process, the engraved printing trade in ancient China, and the global spread of the technique.

The exhibits are all sourced from the collection of the Yangzhou Museum, including raw materials, engraving tools, as well as New Year's paintings and publications from various eras.