Zhuxianzhen New Year Pictures of Henan

Zhuxianzhen New Year Pictures can be dated back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Artisans adopted the handicraft of watercolor block printing on a wood plate and followed the engraved-printing technologies of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The carvers’ skills were simple and succinct. Colors stressed the contrasts of yellow and purple, with strong visual effects. The pictures possessed bold and vigorous strokes, well-rounded composition, vivid colors and exaggerated models. The unsophisticated styles of the Central Plains’ cultures, which had deeply influenced the neighboring regions, were completely embodied in the content of the subject matter, as well as in the manufacture and methods of their handicraft. The subject matter covered three principal categories, including the exorcism of evils spirits, along with blessings, customs and traditions, as well as stories and local operas.