History and printing skills

China engraved block printing began in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Although it was the basis for the letter-press created during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the letter-press did not replace it. In contrast, it was the mainstay of the ancient Chinese printing industry.

Engraving requires steel, copper or magnesium dies with the images to be printed etched below the surface of the plate (a form of "intaglio" printing). A "counter" is also required which is a mirror image of the printing area and acts as a receiver to the master dye, which is usually made of a resin-based material. The immediate area surrounding the engraving plate will be "flattened" or made smoother than the paper stock itself. The size of this "halo" can vary according to how the dye is made and finished.

According to records, Yangzhou engraved block printing skills originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and experienced unprecedented development during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In 1960, the Yangzhou Guangling Ancient Book Countermark Society was established and became the organization responsible for passing on the skill of China engraved block printing . However, the skill is dying out, and needs urgent protection.