China Stamp: 2009-2

China Stamps
Name: Zhangzhou New Year Woodprints
Number: 2009-2
Date of Issue: 18 January 2009
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (4-1): Lion Holding in Mouth a Sword
1.20元 (4-2): The Coming Flood of Wealth
1.20元 (4-3): Goddess Sending Children
1.20元 (4-4): Rat Marrying off Its Daughter

The Zhangzhou New Year Woodprints, originated in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, emerged during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), developed during the Ming (1368-1644), and reached its zenith during the Qing (1644-1911). It adopts xylograph printing techniques and is mostly devoted to the subjects of welcoming a new year, bringing bless, exorcising evil spirits, and opera stories. Generally with black, crimson, vermilion, and light red as the bakground color, the prints feature elegant compositions and radiant hues. Those with black backgrounds particularly represent the unique style of the art. Combining the unconstrained, magnificent style of North China's New Year pictures and the exquisiteness and grace of the southern New Year pictures, Zhangzhou New Year Woodprints used to sell well in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and produced an influence upon the evlolvenment of Taiwan's New Year pictures.