As one of the four traditional dyeing methods in China, Wenzhou’s blue calico press-dyeing is the origin of China’s engraved woodblock dyeing and woodblock printing. The press-dyed calico first appeared in Qin and Han dynasties (221BC-220AD) and flourished in Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279). Li Longji, Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, gave such blue calicos as presents to envoys dispatched from foreign countries to Tang. Remnants of such calicos are now preserved as national treasures in the British Museum, Japan’s Shosoin and other well-known museums. During Yuan and Ming dynasties (1271-1644), blue became the sole color dyed on such calicos. Nowadays, the dyeing is practiced only in southern areas of Zhejiang Province.