China Minisheet: 2010-4

China Minisheet
Name: Liangping New Year Woodprints (梁平木版年画)
Number: 2010-4
Date of Issue: 06 February 2010

Denomination:
1.20元 (4-1): Gate God (门神)
1.20元 (4-2): Stealing the Immortal Grass (盗仙草)
1.20元 (4-3): Peace Leads to Happiness (和气致祥)
1.20元 (4-4): Exiting the Pass with a Stolen Token (盗令出关)

The Liangping New Year Woodprints, originated in Liangping County, Chongqing Municipality, and sold throughout the nation, was in full flourish during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). It features engraving printing techniques and a forceful, vigorous way of cutting. Distinguished from other genres, the Liangping Woodprints adopts manual color application and depiction on the faces of the figures. The pictures often impress the viewers with concise compositions, appropriate rhythms, pristine designs, vivid images, and bright yet elegant colors. The subjects range from auspicious blessings to theatrical dramas and mythological legends. Greatly influenced by the local culture, the Liangping Woodprints has developed a unique style among the different forms of Chinese New Year pictures. It was included on the first National Intangible Cultural Heritage List by China's State Council in 2006.