Whats On
Whats On

Welcoming Spring: Traditions and New Rhythms in Mianzhu New Year Paintings

2026-02-14

0ca57a09-bfdc-4e35-ac54-806369aabfb1.jpg

Mianzhu, a renowned cultural hub in Southwest China's Sichuan province, has been a fertile ground for artistic and literary talent since the Qin and Han dynasties (220 BC - 220). This region has long been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Notable historical painters and poets have left their mark here, highlighting the area's natural beauty and intellectual legacy. Over the centuries, Mianzhu has become a gathering place for artists and literati, fostering a thriving environment for cultural and artistic endeavors.

The Mianzhu New Year paintings trace their origins back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and reached their peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911). These artworks are characterized by their unique blend of hand-painted colors and traditional woodblock printing techniques, involving over 10 intricate processes.

As a treasured form of Chinese folk art, Mianzhu New Year paintings vividly express the enduring wishes of the Chinese people for harmony, prosperity, and good fortune. Each painting encapsulates deep cultural emotions and collective memories, serving as an essential symbol of warmth and familial affection during the Chinese New Year.

This exhibition is organized around five thematic sections, systematically exploring the profound connection between Mianzhu New Year paintings and traditional Chinese New Year customs. Visitors will be guided through the historical evolution, artistic characteristics, and cultural significance of these paintings, gaining insight into their enduring legacy and innovative vitality in the context of modern times.

b82680a5-aa1c-4626-a65c-5620816f3cad.jpeg

c05fe438-21e4-4848-9b8f-9ea0926d5f9e.jpeg

f0da7537-2a27-4169-9472-2c2efe2b19e2.jpeg

f71f408b-45a9-44c1-b06e-49e632f0e724.jpeg

fd68f623-8f82-4355-90bf-a4645c7b3091.jpeg

7067ad89-a115-41b4-afa0-ef735316f009.jpeg

018eba4e-8355-4a37-8f5e-bba7797812b8.jpeg

9d9a558f-71c5-4253-958b-f6aa74162104.jpeg

Copyright © China National Arts and Crafts Museum. All rights reserved.
Presented by China Daily.
Copyright © China National Arts and Crafts Museum. All rights reserved. Presented by China Daily.