xylography

Xylography is the art of engraving upon wood; etching, mezzotinto, aquatinta, are varieties of the art of engraving upon copper.

We have said that according to a generally received opinion we must look upon playing cards as the oldest remains of xylography.

We need but look at the development of our art handicrafts—xylography and copper-etching, for instance.

Xylography was also practiced in China long before Europe knew the art.