중국의 민간 목판 연화

Abstract

Chinese Folk Nian Hua(Annual Woodcut Paints) Bo, Song-nian Professor, China Central Academy of Fine Arts Nian Hua is the most folk painting in Chinese traditional fine arts. It was first created to be adapted to festival customs and beautify environment. Folk painters made the annual prints in which a hope and sentiment of many people were well reflected. Due to an extensive sale after an adoption of woodcut production method, Nian Hua became one of the most universal art forms. Nian Hua was originated from and developed with New Year's greeting custom. In the beginning, it seemed rather mysterious and magical. With an advance of society, however, it developed into a lucky omen painting. During Song Dynasty (10 A.D.), it was a painting of celebration and pleasure. The painting was at the peak during Ming and Qing Dynasty. The annual print was found across the nation with locality. New and different forms have been continuously found. Especially, folk life and historical events have been dealt with in the painting. In terms of painting technique, the annual painting seemed romantic. Because it was widespread in every corner of urban and rural areas, besides, it was socially influential. With a change of living conditions and customs in a modern age, Nian Hua started to decline. However, its historical and artistic value has rather increased. Therefore, it has become very important to keep and improve the valuable cultural property. This paper has briefly described Chinese Nian Hua and investigated its historical development, creation and production method of folk artists, and its various themes & materials and artistic characteristics. Keywords: Nian Hua, Seasonal Painting, Lucky Omen & Celebration Painting, Handicraft Painting, Woodblock and Brush Painting, Woodcut and Coloring