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Carved messengers of the upcoming Year of the Horse

Culture China 16:04, 15-Feb-2026

CGTN

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The first step in making a Jiama print is sketching the desired design onto a wooden block. /CGTN

The second step is carving away the excess wood along the lines on the wooden block. /CGTN

Ink is then applied to the wooden block and pressed onto paper to print the desired image. /CGTN

In traditional Chinese culture, Jiama is regarded as a messenger bridging the mortal world and the divine. Bold, unrestrained lines convey dignity, while concise compositions hold quiet yet profound wishes. Every motif is a blessing; every print is a fragment of history carved into the grain of wood. As the vibrant Year of the Horse approaches, the horse in Jiama is more than a symbol — it embodies the spirit of swift achievement and forward momentum. Within these carved marks, one can almost hear the footsteps of the New Year drawing near.