East Asian woodblock printing has been a crucial method of book printing for over a thousand years, influencing printing practices globally as early as the 13th century. This workshop introduces participants to East Asian woodblock printing—the dominant method of book production in China, Japan, Korea, and other East Asian regions from the 8th to the 19th century.

Participants will engage in hands-on printing activities and examine historical book materials from the UVic Libraries Special Collections & University Archives. A brief lecture will provide cultural and social context, including the features of ancient East Asian books, their types and uses, and the evolution of printing technology.

Participants will learn how to:

• Practice traditional techniques: Gain hands-on experience with East Asian woodblock printing methods.
• Apply safety protocols: Understand and follow safety guidelines for working in a book arts and letterpress printing environment.
• Analyze historical materials: Examine original book artifacts from UVic Libraries Special Collections to identify key features of ancient East Asian books.
• Develop critical perspectives: Engage in discussion and comparative analysis of East Asian xylographic printing techniques and Western printing practices, considering their cultural, technological, and social implications.