W220xL300mm, China
This new year print is normally found in the village schools for the worship of Confucius.
Confucius is sitting in the middle holding a gui, an element of statue. On the two sides are the 4 sages, notable Confuciusm figures; Yan Hui (顏回), Zi Si (子思), Zeng Zi (曾子) and Mencius (孟子). Apart from Mencius, the other 3 are the favorite student of Confucius. Mencius was born about 100 years after the death of Confucius and was a student of Confucius’s grandson. Mencius was expanding Confucius’s philosophy.
As in the wood block print, the 4 sages are normally seen along side with Confucius in the temples of Confucius.
Mountain Folkcraft 