Ever heard of art that's literally fresh off the boat? 🎣 In Xiangshan, a coastal county in east China's Zhejiang Province, there's an age-old tradition that's making waves among young creatives: fish rubbing! 🐟🎨
Back in the day, local fishermen had a unique way of celebrating the Spring Festival. Without the skills for papercutting or calligraphy, they'd spread ink from cuttlefish over their catch and press red paper on top, creating what we might call the OG fish prints! 🖨️✨ It was their special way of sending good vibes and New Year wishes.
Fast forward to today, and fish rubbing has evolved into a vibrant art form. Artists are swapping out traditional inks for eco-friendly vegetable dyes and propylene, capturing every tiny detail from glistening scales to delicate fins. The result? Lifelike impressions that bring the sea's mysteries onto paper and canvas. 🌊🖌️
But it's not just about the art—it's about community and heritage. Lu Shenggui, a local master of this technique, is on a mission to keep the tradition alive. He often visits local kindergartens, teaching kids how to make their own fish rubbings. The little ones dive right in, using their imaginations to create colorful and quirky fish prints. 🧒🏼👧🏽🎉
This blend of history and creativity reflects the unbreakable bond between the coastal communities and the sea. It's a splash of tradition meeting the future, one fish at a time! 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
