Visions of joy and prosperity across regions
Print Edition
SUZHOU Taohuawu is representative of the southern school of nianhua (New Year’s picture), and Yangliuqing in Tianjin is its northern school counterpart.
The woodblock prints created in these two places along with Yangjiabu in Weifang, Shandong Province, and Mianzhu, Sichuan Province, are generally known as the “best four New Year’s pictures” in China.
They have their own distinctive features, but all evoke a joyful and prosperous atmosphere.
Mianzhu
The history of Mianzhu nianhua can be traced back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Thriving in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the prints were sold both at home and overseas.
It is said that there were over 900 artists and 300 family workshops engaged in the production of Mianzhu nianhua with an annual production exceeding 12 million pieces at that time.
Mianzhu artists only print sketches on locally produced paper and then color patterns, which distinguishes it from other types of nianhua.
Symmetrical structures, dramatic designs, smooth and fine lines and intense contrast in color are all characteristics of the folk art.
Yangjiabu
Influenced by Yangliuqing genre, Yangjiabu nianhua also originated in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and flourished during the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty.
The decorative and exaggerated art form features imaginative designs, vigorous and bold lines, primary colors and simple style.
Its themes are varied, including traditional theater figures, animals, plants, children and deities such as the god of door, the god of wealth and the kitchen god.
Yangliuqing
Located in the western suburbs of Tianjin and adjacent to the Grand Canal of China, the longest and oldest artificial river in the world, Yangliuqing was a vibrant and multicultural town.
Originating in the late Ming Dynasty, Yangliuqing nianhua reached its peak in the Qing Dynasty.
Characterized by a combination of woodblock printing and colored hand-painting, Yangliuqing nianhua mainly portrays tales from traditional Chinese opera, chubby babies and elegant women.
In its heyday, there were 32 villages around Yangliuqing producing nianhua.
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