Notes on Publishing Books (23): Woodblock Printing from Its Origins to the Qajar Period

Document Type : pajoohesh

Author

10.22081/jap.2026.80046

Abstract

Woodblock printing is recognized as one of the oldest—and perhaps the earliest—printing techniques in the world. This article examines the historical development of this method, its practical procedures, and its geographical diffusion across different regions. Particular attention is devoted to the use of woodblock printing in the production of books, as well as to its interaction with and coexistence alongside other printing techniques. The study traces the evolution of woodblock printing from its earliest known applications through its adoption and adaptation in various cultural contexts, culminating in its use during the Qajar period. By exploring both the technical and historical dimensions of the process, the article sheds light on the role of woodblock printing in the transmission of texts and the development of book culture.
 

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