The Woodblock printing is one of the most important four inventions in ancient China. Block Printing was probably invented between the Sui and Tang dynasties.
The process of block printing started with the cutting of wood into blocks, and then characters were engraved in relief on the blocks. Ink was brushed on the engraved block and a white sheet of paper was spread across it and then brushed with a clean brush on its back leaving an image when the paper was removed.
The world’s oldest surviving book printed on paper is Diamond Sutra(《金刚经》). It is the earliest woodcut illustration in a printed book. It was printed in Tang Dynasty.
Recommended attractions:
1.Nanjing Jinling carved by the Department through the building
2. Yangzhou version of Guangling ancient engraving agency
