Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Paintings: Designs of Cultural and Creative Products for Inheritance and Development of Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The research purposes of this article are: (1) To explore the historical development of Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Paintings. (2) To examine the current semiotic situation and cultural challenges of Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Paintings. (3) To study the design of cultural and creative products based on Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Paintings to facilitate the inheritance and development of cultural heritage. This study employs qualitative research methods to examine and analyze relevant information and literature on Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Paintings. Researchers selected the Mianzhu New Year Paintings Village and Mianzhu New Year Paintings Museum in Sichuan Province as the primary research areas. Data were collected and organized through field investigations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with 3 key informants, 8 informal informants, and 20 general informants. Findings were obtained through data analysis and field studies, leading to the following results: Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Paintings, a traditional Chinese woodblock print art, originated from ancient sacrificial rituals and reached its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. However, during the Republic of China era, production declined due to political turmoil and war. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the government prioritized the protection and revitalization of this art form. Currently, Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Paintings face challenges such as market pressures, insufficient cultural and creative content, and the inability to meet modern consumer demands. Researchers have proposed protective measures to address these issues and developed a new cultural initiative product model.In conclusion, the findings of this study provide a valuable reference for the preservation and inheritance of Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Paintings, enhance their visibility, and promote the protection and sustainable development of cultural heritage. The study’s outcomes offer important insights for fostering regional economic growth and strengthening the cultural and creative industries.