Which traditional Chinese art form uses carved wooden blocks to print images and text on paper?

The traditional Chinese art form using carved wooden blocks to print images and text on paper is Chinese woodblock printing.

A craftsman carves the image or text in relief on a wooden block, applies ink to the raised surface, and presses paper against it. Each block can produce multiple impressions, making the process important for books, religious images, calendars, posters, and popular pictures. Multicolor works require separate blocks or carefully managed color applications.

Woodblock printing was established in China centuries before movable-type printing became widespread there. The Diamond Sutra, dated 868, is the oldest known complete dated printed book. Printing should not be confused with rubbing, in which paper is placed over an existing carved or inscribed surface and pigment is transferred by rubbing rather than by an inked relief block.