Etching is the art of engraving a flat, cylindrical or other kind of surface with the purpose of creating decorative designs on that surface. Ancient seal stones and ancient inscriptions on columns are the first engravings of mankind. Today the term engraving usually refers to the engraving of designs and symbols on a surface, which will then serve as a plate for the production of copies on paper. The work (copy on paper or other medium) created in this way is called an engraving.