Chen Xingcai
Mastery, Signature Works & Repertoire
Male, of the Han ethnic group, born in 1920 in Mianzhu, Sichuan. In 1933 he took his eldest uncle Chen Shijin as his teacher, and he has persisted in producing New Year pictures ever since. Over several decades he has recarved many works in traditional styles that are nearly identical to the old originals, preserving the purity of Mianzhu New Year pictures. A distinguishing feature of Mianzhu woodblock New Year pictures is that the line block serves as an outline rather than as a set of overprinting blocks, with the color painting applied within the outline according to each artist's individual style. Chen Xingcai's carving technique is highly practiced, and he is thoroughly familiar with the conventions and formulas of traditional modeling. Chen Xingcai can also paint New Year pictures in color, though mostly in small formats. He has passed on his techniques of block carving and color painting to his grandchildren, and all of his grandchildren are now able to work independently.
Honors & Recognition
He is a national representative bearer of Mianzhu Woodblock New Year Pictures, a first-batch national intangible cultural heritage project. In 1994 he was awarded the title of Master of Mianzhu New Year Painting by the People's Government of Mianzhu County. In recent years his work Shuang Yangbian (Twin Whips) was selected for the Grand Exhibition of Unique Chinese Folk Arts, and in 2006 he received the Sichuan Bashu Literature and Art Award.
References & Archival Sources
Representative Items of This Bearer
Profile
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