Background

The Yangliuqinig New Year Picture, a well known folk woodblock print for the lunar New Year in North China, originated during the late Ming Dynasty in Yangliuqing Country to the west of Tianjin, hence the name. It has a popular appeal and draws on elements from various areas such as folktales, figures from traditional operas, landscapes, birds and flowers. It typically features large carp and chubby babies that are drawn in a figurative style to represent blessings and happiness. Combining block chromatography and hand painting, Yangliuqing New Year Pictures, with their well-rounded composition and vivid colours, are very popular among the people. They are used for decorating rooms during festivals, embodying hopes for a happy life.

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