The Ming and Qing Dynasties were the heyday of China printmaking. With the joint efforts of many literati, booksellers and seal engravers, various schools of printmaking have emerged, and a large number of excellent works have been created, showing a prosperous situation. Not only did religious printmaking reach its peak in the Ming Dynasty, but also the appreciation of printmaking increased greatly in the Ming Dynasty. Paintings, novels, operas, biographies, poems, etc. , are many excellent works. In particular, the seal cutting illustrations of literary masterpieces have many versions, spread widely and have far-reaching influence.
This period is also a prosperous period of various artistic schools of printmaking. Jian 'an School, centered on Jianyang, Fujian, appeared, and most of its works were written by folk craftsmen, with simple carving. Jinling School, with Nanjing as the center, focuses on operas and novels. The Wuling School with Hangzhou as the center has a wide range of themes and exquisite carvings. Huizhou School, with Huizhou as the center, has a far-reaching influence and plays an important role in the cultural history of China.