Since the end of Ming dynasty and during the Qing dynasty, Suzhou Tao-hua-wu woodblock printing has been recognized as one of China's most excellent works of art. Earliest examples of woodblock prints began before 220 A.D. The craft is a technique for printing text, images and patterns on textiles and paper. It was a great influence on Japanese engravings called "Suzhou engravings," which have won international recognition.
