New Year's Auspicious Painting: Chinese Woodblock New Year Prints

Author: Feng Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: This book documents the development history of woodblock New Year prints over the past half-century and looks ahead to the future of woodblock New Year prints through several aspects, including the assessment of woodblock New Year prints, the endangered report on woodblock New Year prints, and the development plan and concepts for woodblock New Year prints. Today, New Year prints have gradually evolved from early natural and divine worship to festive customs that drive away evil spirits, bring good fortune, ward off disasters, and celebrate joy and happiness, as well as decorate and beautify the environment. They express the thoughts, emotions, and aspirations of the people for a better life. Chinese woodblock New Year prints originated in the Song Dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. They are auspicious and propitious hanging scrolls created by folk artists for the New Year, serving as a means for ordinary people to express their emotions. However, in the past half-century, the emergence of new cultural trends has led to the decline and extinction of this folk art that has endured through generations. To ensure the continuation of this father-to-son passed-down folk art, we have written this book. The publication of this book will enable readers to understand the unique cultural value, artistic value, historical value, and significant social and rescue value of Chinese woodblock New Year prints.