The folk handcraft lunar new year painting, which is used for blessing and ringing in the Chinese lunar new year, is one of the most popular forms of artwork among Chinese families. It is originated from the paintings of ancient doorkeepers, and is believed to repel evils when posted on the door of a home. At the same time, the painting can decorate the house, bringing happiness and joy to the family.

Lunar new year painting has a long history in China. After hundreds of years of development, there are now several groups producing different types of Lunar New Year paintings. Some are purely hand-painted; some are printed with wooden blocks, while others are half painted and half printed.

By Cong Fangjun

Editor: Liu Fang