As lanterns glow across cities for Chinese New Year 2026, artisans breathe life into an ancient tradition – creating Jiama, the symbolic 'Spirit Horse' woodblock prints that gallop with cultural meaning. 🎨
Where Time Meets Timber
More than just decoration, each Jiama starts as a dance between chisel and wood. Master carvers etch intricate blessings into aged blocks, their grooves holding generations of Lunar New Year hopes. "You're not just shaping wood," says Chengdu-based artisan Li Wei, 34. "You're pressing history onto paper."
Ink Alchemy 🔮
The magic happens when crimson ink meets rice paper. Artisans hand-rub each print, revealing mythical creatures and prosperity symbols. This year's popular designs feature horses soaring through cloud motifs – a nod to 2026's Year of the Horse energy.
Spring in Their Palms
While digital art trends surge, Jiama workshops report 20% more young visitors this festival season. "It's tactile nostalgia," explains cultural researcher Dr. Amina Chen. "In a swipe-right world, people crave rituals that make time slow down."
As 2026's festivities begin, these paper blessings gallop from studios to doorways – carrying wishes as timeless as the first spring sunrise. 🌅
