"Everything we print has to be identical to the original masterpiece," she says.
"Nothing can be changed, and this leaves little room for creativity. Sometimes, we feel isolated from the outside world, but it is a must to stay focused."
But Zhao understands why the printer's creativity has to be sacrificed.
"These paintings are from top-tier masters, and that's why they are duplicated. If we add something of our own, it will be meaningless," she says.
She also likens the printing process to creating the original painting again.
"Printing with water needs lots of technique to control speed, strength and moisture to ensure high quality," she says.
In spite of being an industry veteran, Zhao admits that there is so much to be learned.
For instance, printing on silk.
Though silk is a commonly used material in ancient Chinese painting, she rarely takes such jobs.
"Sometimes, we have to admit the material we get today is not fine enough," she says. "And, maybe, our predecessors were better at it."
