Chinese New Year woodblock prints embody the finest traditions of Chinese culture and portray people’s aspirations for a joyful and prosperous life. At the start of 2023, the Guangdong Museum curated the exhibition “New Year Woodblock Prints in China,” selecting outstanding works from the rich collections of the Suzhou Municipal Center for Public Culture, Foshan Museum, and more than ten other institutions. Jointly hosted by the Guangdong Museum, the Suzhou Municipal Center for Public Culture, Foshan Museum, Weifang Museum, Kaifeng Museum, and Shandong Art Museum, and co-organized by Tianjin Museum, Tianjin Yangliuqing Fine Arts Press, Wuqiang Woodblock New Year Painting Museum, Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Painting Museum, and Foshan Woodblock New Year Painting Workshop, the exhibition brings together over 300 New Year woodblock prints and printing blocks, supplemented by demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship. Organized into four thematic sections—Deities, Figures, Scenery, and Stories—the exhibition offers an exceptional opportunity for visitors to appreciate and study this unique cultural treasure. It was held in the Special Exhibition Hall on the 3rd floor from January 10 to March 29, 2023. 

As a distinctive genre of Chinese folk art, New Year woodblock prints are typically created through woodblock printing or combined printing-and-painting processes. Displayed during festive seasons, they enliven surroundings with auspicious imagery while expressing hopes for good fortune and well-being. Characterized by crisp lines, vibrant colours, and a highly recognizable aesthetic system, New Year woodblock prints hold unique artistic value.

Every carved line and brushstroke reflect the craftsmanship spirit—focus, dedication, excellence, and innovation—deeply rooted in the lives of ordinary Chinese people. Safeguarding this intangible cultural heritage is not only about preserving artistic skills but also about sustaining the enduring vitality of traditional craftsmanship. As intangible cultural heritage plays a vital role in rural revitalization, rekindling the cultural life of New Year woodblock prints contributes to building local cultural brands and supporting community development.

Highlights

Exhibition Views