W100xL290mm, China
This is an old wood block printed script in 2 volumes of a popular Buddhist sutras in Chinese. The sutra was translated into Chinese in Tang Dynasty; it was presented as a dialogue between the Buddha and Ksitigarbha. The teaching is about the the ultimate sense of a universal code of duty for all living beings.
W220xL300mm, China
This is a wood block print of the Kitchen God (Zao Jun) which traditional would be placed in the kitchen. He has been worshiped by the Chinese since about 1050BC! The Kitchen God is believed to control the fortune of the household; at the end of the year (form 23 to 30 December of the lunar calender) he will report to the Jade Emperor all the kindness and evil deeds the family has done over that year. The two assistant gods by his side, one hold a can with the record of the kind deeds and the other the evil record can. Before the Kitchen God depart for his yearly duty, the families (usually on the 23rd) would make offering to thank him. The offering are all sweet and gluey food, hoping it would stick to his mouth and sweet things would be said in his report. Others would add a pair of couplet note to remind him, wine to to make him drunk etc. hmmm … (also see The Return of the Kitchen God-01/26/2012)
W180xL130xH80mm, India
These are stamps (Bunta) for making woodblock print textile. Over a piece of draft pattern, the craftsman laboriously chisel out the design from a single block of wood. Over at the printing sweatshop, plain colour fabric is stretched over the printing table. The vegetable dye paste is placed in a tray and even out over a sheet of wire. No draft or guiding sheet is used for the printing, the master printer would set out the outline colour, judging only by his eye, hands, points on the stamp and experience. The stamp is placed and hit a few times by the fist ensuring a good impression. The printing would go from left to right. After the outline colour is finished, the second printer would follow, then the third etc. The fabric is then put into an acid wash to fix the colour.
W220xL300mm, China
Over Chinese New Year, wood block prints which express good fortune, blessing and protection would be posted in every household, shops, basically anywhere with a roof over (even at livestock are kept). These prints are replaced on every New Year. This print is of the Eye Goddess of the Taoist religion, she is one of the 15 mother goddesses, it is believed that her prayer would heal any problem of the eye. The Goddess print will be displayed in clinic of an eye specialist and at home of those that have sight problem.
L150xW120mm, China
Woodblock prints are traditionally posted to celebrate Chinese New Year, both as a decoration and as a good blessing to the household. The subject matter of the prints surrounds the idea of good fortune, this projects for household to the year ahead. On this particular print, its is written ” On the night of the wedding; when one is selected as an high ranking offical.”. This would probably symbolises the best moment in a man’s life. Adapting to modern day use, this is mounted on a greeting card, perfect for giving well wishes. (US$4)
Mountain Folkcraft 