In Dali City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, the rhythmic tap-tap-tap of chisels echoes through workshops as artisans prepare for the Year of the Horse. For the Bai ethnic group, these sounds signal more than just holiday prep—they’re keeping alive a 1,000-year-old tradition: Jiama woodcut printing. 🖼️
Meet Zhang Renhua, a master artisan whose hands transform plain wooden boards into vibrant cultural narratives. Using techniques passed through generations, Zhang carves intricate horse motifs—a symbol of luck and vitality—before pressing them onto paper with practiced precision. 🐴✨
“Every stroke connects us to our ancestors,” Zhang says, brushing black pigment onto a freshly carved board. As Lunar New Year approaches, demand surges for these prints, which adorn homes and temples during festivals.
But Jiama isn’t just about nostalgia. Young designers are collaborating with artisans like Zhang to reimagine traditional patterns for modern decor and fashion. 📱💡 With social media boosting its visibility, this ancient art form is galloping into 2026 with renewed energy—proving that some traditions only get better with time.
