Woodblock printing master revives 'Black Peony' of Yichang

By Hu Yikai.

Yiling black and white woodblock printing, known as the “Black Peony of the Mountains and Wilderness,” requires intricate craftsmanship. Gao Xinzhang, the fifth-generation inheritor of a woodblock printing family, is reviving this nearly extinct 300-year-old craft, which faced decline in the late 1980s.

Yiling black and white woodblock printing. Scene by Chen Dongyun.

The process begins with a wooden block. Artists draft an image, carve it into the wood, apply black ink, and press it onto white paper. The creation of a piece measuring 40 cm by 60 cm takes at least one week and involves five stages: drafting, reverse transfer, carving, inking, and printing. “It's slower, but we're sticking with traditional craftsmanship,” said the 63-year-old artist.

"The proportions of the images are the most distinctive part. There is no fixed method. The essence of this art form lies in its freehand style,” Gao said. “This is a farmers’ art, so our works should represent their most original and raw expression.”

Gao, born into a family of renowned woodblock printing artists, began learning the craft at age 6. As an adult, he joined the Yiling District Cultural Center. During a field study in the 1980s to explore local art resources, he discovered numerous woodblock prints and wood carvings in ordinary homes. Noticing a significant decline in the craft, Gao decided to take action.

Gao Xinzhang is creating Yiling woodblock printing. Photo by Li Boyan.

He collected valuable hand drawings and materials, drafted a proposal to revive local woodblock printing, and opened the first training class. Since 1988, he has trained 800 students.

In 1993, Yiling District was designated the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art (Woodblock Printing),” and the craft was recognized as Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.

Gao now focuses on helping craft practitioners earn a living through this art. "We must innovate," he said. He has developed a model that combines workshops, art academies, art bases, and online stores. Through the Three Gorges Woodblock Printing Academy, he has signed more than 100 local artists, providing art guidance and purchasing their works for resale. He also encourages local artists to open family studios and has launched artist studio chains in scenic areas to enhance their income.

Li Yang contributed to this story.