Woodcuts highlight ancient printing

A craftsman demonstrates the methods to engrave patterns on a wood block in the exhibition room of the National Museum of Classic Books. [Photo by Deng Zhangyu / China Daily]

"For quite a long time, we have ignored the importance of protecting printing blocks. But the show sends a message that China is beginning to rank the protection of blocks with that of ancient books," says An Pingqiu, an expert on ancient books.

An says that printing blocks need a large place to be stored and are hard to transport. Compared with ancient books, they're more difficult to protect and pass down.

Shi Jinbo, director of the research center of the culture of the Western Xia regime at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, says that there are many ancient books from the Song Dynasty, but the blocks are rare. The only existing block for the printing of ancient books in the Song Dynasty is in the United States. Germany, meanwhile, has the most blocks from the Western Xia regime.

"I suggest that China's block protection should start from private collectors. Shows of this kind are a good way to increase public awareness," says Shi.

The show also invites experienced craftsmen from ancient-book printing houses to demonstrate how to make woodcuts and demonstrate the process of printing.

This year, blocks for ancient book printing are on the protection list of China's rare ancient books, so institutions that collect these relics will receive government support and funding.