Relief block printmaking originated in the Chinese imperial court around 300 AD.  The technique was used to print elaborate textiles for the Emperor. Later, the Japanese borrowed and perfected block printing for wide dissemination on hand made paper. Original, hand pulled printmaking is practiced worldwide. America’s print renaissance started in the 1900s and continues today. Contemporary print includes block printing, intaglio etching, serigraphy (silkscreen), lithography and hybrid digital techniques.