In the first half of the 20th century, New Year picture production declined because of constant warfare and turmoil. After the founding of new China in 1949, great efforts were exerted in Suzhou to restore this folk art, and over 200 representative draft drawings were collated and printed. Old wood blocks were permanently shelved, and, unfortunately, during the "cultural revolution" (1966-1976), owing to insufficient storage protection, the blocks rotted. However, in the 1990s, this folk art was once more rejuvenated.

Deities and the Spring Festival

Posting and renewing New Year pictures is an important aspect of preparation for the Spring Festival, being the medium through which people express their expectations for the coming year. Themes of good fortune and happiness, manifested by deities and auspicious symbols, are, therefore, dominant in New Year pictures. "Deities" from Taohuawu is representative of such works.

The combination of celestial and terrestrial, and of imaginary and real figures is typical of folk Chinese art. The common people care little about differences between religious and philosophical schools. They simply believe that deities personify justice and protect their interests. To them, there is no strict delineation between deities and human beings. Deities must come from somewhere, and no small number of them are the sages of humankind.

Page:

1

2

3

4

5

All rights reserved. Reproduction of text for non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that both the source and author are acknowledged and a notifying email is sent to us.