Traces of Quiet Devotion - Spiritual Imagery in Yangzhou Woodcut Art

Woodblock printing from Yangzhou, China, is a quiet craft with a powerful legacy. This exhibition brings together carved blocks, delicate prints, and the hands of masters who have kept this tradition alive for centuries. Woodblock printing is an ancient method of making books and art. It began in China over 1,300 years ago, during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Instead of copying books by hand, artists carved letters and images into wooden or copper blocks, then pressed them onto paper with ink. It was faster, more beautiful, and helped share knowledge far and wide. Yangzhou became one of the most important places for this craft. During the Qing dynasty (17th–19th centuries), it was chosen as a royal printing centre, known for its high standards and beautiful work. Even when modern machines took over, Yangzhou kept the tradition alive. The works in this exhibition come straight from Yangzhou. They include Buddhist Scriptures, books, and delicate illustrations—all made with care by today’s masters, including Mr. Shen Shuhua and his apprentice Mr. Peng Lei. Visitors can see both the carved blocks and the prints they create, side by side. In a digital world, this exhibition offers something rare: the quiet touch of craftsmanship, the beauty of slowness, and the lasting voice of tradition. These prints remind us that even in silence, the past can speak.