Inheritance of joy and centuries-old craft
Updated: 2016-02-23 07:49
By Liu Xiangrui(China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
With the help of a crowdfunding project by Alibaba, traditional crafts like Guo's prints are taking on a new look to attract young people.[Photo by Liu Xiangrui/China Daily] |
During the first four years of his job, he watched experienced craftsmen at the shop and was able to pick up different steps of the craft, from dyeing paper and printing to carving woodblocks.
The most difficult part of the craft is carving out the blocks.
"Facial details of figures in the images are the most important. If a face is not lively, the block is useless," Guo says.
In addition, the printing process involves nine woodblocks if the image is to become rich in color.
Making New Year pictures was a profitable business back in the 1940s, when there were numerous workshops and shops of various sizes all over Kaifeng. Involving different procedures, the shop he worked for had 80 employees working at the same time during the busiest days of the year.
Related Stories
Rare Romanian artifacts on show at Beijing museum 2016-02-02 08:16
Palace Museum clock repairman keeps history in time 2016-02-02 07:35
China to restore architecture along century-old railway 2016-02-01 14:10
Exhibition of Wu and Yue States opens in Xi'an 2016-01-29 16:34
Today's Top News
London mayor says to support Brexit in EU referendum
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
UK to hold EU referendum on June 23
US saber-rattling could spark arms buildup: experts
Balkan, Austria police agree to register refugees
Turkey blames Kurds, Syria for attack
Stronger united Europe is 'in the interests of China'
Huawei to increase co-op with European partners
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Beijing theme park adds flavor to the Year of the Monkey |
China's role in Africa is 'exaggerated' |
Toward continuing 'entente cordiale' |
Famous rebel with the golden gaze |
Jack magic |
Artist shares Peony's secrets |