In the hands of a master inheritor from southwest China's Bai ethnic group, blocks of wood transform into intricate galloping steeds through the ancient Jiama woodcut printing technique. As 2026's Lunar New Year approaches, practitioners are breathing new life into this UNESCO-recognized craft by creating symbolic "Horses of Blessings" – each carved figure representing prosperity and vitality for the coming year.
The tradition coincides with CGTN's global "All Things Horses" creative challenge, inviting participants worldwide to reinterpret equine symbolism through art, digital design, or traditional crafts. This initiative bridges cultural preservation with modern expression, offering Asian diaspora communities and international creators alike a platform to engage with regional customs.
For business professionals and cultural analysts, the resurgence of Jiama woodcarving demonstrates growing market interest in sustainable heritage crafts. Recent exhibitions in Singapore and Dubai have featured these wooden sculptures alongside contemporary interpretations, signaling new opportunities in Asia's creative economy.
Travel enthusiasts can witness live demonstrations at Yunnan Province's Shaxi Valley cultural festivals through February 2026, while academics note increased research funding for preserving minority ethnic art forms. As the wood shavings settle, this centuries-old practice continues its gallop into the modern era – one precisely chiseled hoofbeat at a time.
