As China modernizes and millions of people flock to its mega-cities, leaving behind old traditions and customs, one man is trying to remind them of a centuries-old heritage before it fades into kitschy oblivion.
Ma Zhiqiang, executive vice president of the Weifang Folk Artist Association, has been collecting rare Chinese New Year pictures since 1991. He recently published his latest collection (he has six others), Unique Chinese Folk New Year Pictures, a 480-picture database of prints that spans two volumes.
"For Chinese people, New Year pictures can be compared to an encyclopedia of Chinese social life," Ma said. "They reflect people's wishes and dreams and their good wishes for the coming year."
http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2009-07/24/content_18199814.htm