Friday, April 10, 2009

China - Woodblock New Year Pictures of Zhuxian Town 2008


Zhuxianzhen, a historically important commercial town, is located 20 kilometers southwest to Kaifeng City, Henan Provinces. The Zhuxianzhen New Year Woodprints originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and boomed during the Song (960-1279). As the birthplace of Chinese New Year Woodprints, Zhuxianzhen exerted an influence upon the New Year woodprints produced in Wuqiang, Yangliuqing, Taohuawu, and Yangjiabu.

This form art of features a typical northern style, charaterized by bold and unconstrained lines, lively composition, exaggerated designs and exquisite application of colors, which are radiant and may never fade. According to historical book "Dream of the Capital," during the Northern Song (960-1127), woodprint New Year paintings were prevalent in the capital city, Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng). In 1127, when the Jin troops attacked and captured Bianjing, the woodprint workshops and artists were forced to relocated to Zhuxianzhen, 20 kilometers away. Hence the name "Zhuxianzhen New Year Woodprints."

In 2006, Zhuxianzhen New Year Woodprints was included in the first national intangible culture heritage list.

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