xylography

American  

[zahy-log-ruh-fee] / zaɪˈlɒg rə fi /

noun

1. the art of engraving on wood, or of printing from such engravings.

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xylography British  

/ zaɪˈlɒɡrəfɪ, ˌzaɪləˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. the art, craft, or process of printing from wooden blocks

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Other Word Forms

• xylographer noun
• xylographic adjective
• xylographical adjective
• xylographically adverb

Etymology

Origin of xylography

From the French word xylographie, dating back to 1810–20. See xylo-, -graphy

Explanation

To try the printmaking process of xylography, draw a backwards image on a smooth block of wood and carve out the clear parts so the image or text stands out. Apply ink to the wood, and then press the block onto paper to make a print! The word xylography is made by combining the Greek roots xylo-, meaning "wood," and -graphy, meaning "writing or drawing." It may describe the woodcarving process itself or the making of prints from the engraved wood. The earliest xylography was done in China and Japan centuries before this printing method was brought to Europe during the Middle Ages. In fact, the oldest known printed texts were made using xylography.

Example Sentences

It is considered unlikely, although not impossible, that the invention of printing passed all at once from xylography to the perfect typography of the punch, matrix, and mold.

From From Xylographs to Lead Molds; A.D. 1440-A.D. 1921 by Forster, H. C.