Xylography represents an ancient technique of printmaking where artists produce images or text by carving them onto wooden blocks. Xylography originated during ancient history as evidenced by initial instances discovered in both China and Japan. Xylography reached its highest popularity during the European Renaissance when it became a common method for producing book illustrations and prints. Albrecht Dürer transformed xylography through his elaborate woodcuts and Hokusai became famous for his ukiyo-e prints in Japan. Artists employ specialized tools to carve their chosen design into the surface of wooden blocks when creating xylography. By applying ink to the raised portions of the wooden block and pressing it onto paper artists generate a reversed representation of their original design. The xylographic process enables multiple reproductions of identical images which establishes it as a precursor to mass production within art creation. The distinct tactile quality and unique texture of woodcuts define xylography which artists value for its organic and expressive style. The technique has undergone changes because of new materials and technological advances but continues to hold importance both historically and artistically in today's art scene.