Woodblock New Year prints go on display in Beijing

An exhibition displaying traditional woodblock New Year prints opened at the Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing on Wednesday.

In celebration of the upcoming Year of the Horse, the museum has carefully selected over 100 exquisite pieces from its collection for this showcase.

Centered on the theme "Celebrating the New Year with Prints", the exhibition is organized into four sections: Auspicious Arrivals at the Door, Welcoming Fortune and Blessings, Scenes of Seasonal Festivities, and Performing Arts on Paper.

These sections highlight the rich local flavors and artistic charm of woodblock prints from various regions across China.

The exhibited works hail from major production hubs including Yangliuqing of Tianjin, Wuqiang of Hebei province, Fengxiang of Shaanxi province, Zhuxian of Henan province, and Taohuawu of Jiangsu province.

The collection features diverse subjects, from door-god prints like "Wielding the Whip and Mace on Horseback" to auspicious motifs symbolizing "Immediate Promotion to Nobility", as well as dramatic opera scenes depicting historic battles.

As the most significant traditional festival for the Chinese, Spring Festival carries profound cultural depth and national sentiment. The custom of "pasting New Year prints", an integral part of the celebrations, adds joy and harmony to the festive atmosphere with its vibrant colors, lively imagery, and auspicious meanings. It also embodies people's aspirations for a better life and their enduring commitment to cultural heritage.

The exhibition is also presenting a collective display of engraved printing blocks from several production centers.

Within the hall, animated New Year prints from the museum's collection enliven the festive theme, while an interactive rubbing experience zone attracts numerous visitors to try their hand at this traditional craft.

The exhibition will run until April 12.