W450xH680mm, China
On the top of the print is a hanging bat symbolizing the arrival of blessing. The word upside down (倒) “dao” shares the same pronunciation as the word arrived (到) “dao”, while word bat (蝠) “fu” with the word blessing (福) “fu”.
Hanging on the mouth of the bat is a Buddha’s hand fruit, a symbol of happiness and a peach which symbolizes longevity.
This rounded figure is known as “yi tuan he qi” – Harmony, which is a blessing for oneself, the family, the country to the world at large.
The figure originally comes from the painting of the same title by the Ming emperor, Zhu Jian Shen, featuring the Maitreya in a lotus meditation pose. On closer look, there are 2 scholars on either side smiling at each other with their knee touching. The Maitreya embraces the 2 scholars with his head bend, revealing his bald head. The 3, Buddhist, Taoist and Confucius are in harmony with each other.
Come to see the actual print and many others at the
New Year Print Exhibition
MOUNTAIN FOLKCRAFT
CHINESE WOOD BLOCK PRINT COLLECTION
Mountain Folkcraft 