Prince Kung's Palace Museum unveils New Year woodblock print exhibition

Coinciding with the celebration of the Little New Year in northern China on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month (Jan 22), the exhibition on traditional Chinese New Year woodblock prints from the collection of Prince Kung's Palace Museum officially opened at its West Sector 1 and East Sector 2 galleries.

Pasting New Year pictures is a cherished practice to observe Spring Festival, which was recently inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On display at the exhibition are more than 100 exquisite woodblock New Year prints, grouped into five themes: "Praying for Blessings", "Classical Opera Scenes", "Talented Scholars and Beautiful Ladies", "Seasonal Customs" and "Festive Vibe in Beijing". Strolling through the museum's historic buildings, visitors can enjoy stunning works from renowned New Year woodblock printmaking centers such as Yangliuqing (Tianjin), Wuqiang (Hengshui, Hebei), Yangjiabu (Weifang, Shandong), Fengxiang (Baoji, Shaanxi), Kaifeng (Henan) and Taohuawu (Suzhou, Jiangsu).

The exhibition also features a debut display of rare prints from the collection of Wang Shucun (1923-2009) – a fine arts historian and folk art collector - including some rare and out-of-print New Year pictures from Beijing.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the exhibition includes animated short films inspired by the museum's collection of New Year prints, a hands-on printmaking experience and interactive installations in the courtyard that highlight the enduring charm of this traditional art.

From Jan 22 to 24, the museum hosted live demonstrations by representative inheritors of this traditional craft from Yangliuqing and Taohuawu, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the intricate process of woodblock printmaking. A series of public education programs related to the exhibition is also planned.

The exhibition will run until April 20 (closed Mondays).