Social And Cultural History Study Of Taohuawu Wood Prints In Modern Suzhou

The New Year Print of Taohuawu, which has been included in the first list of Chinese intangible culture heritage, is characterized by demonstrating folk life around Suzhou city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Based on the distinctive economy condition and culture of Suzhou, this art form opened up its market in the increasing urban population. During the social changes in modern China, the Taohuawu print has been evolving difficulty with its rich heritage and centuries of brilliant.In this thesis, the methods of history and sociology as well as the theories of fine arts and folklore are used to study Taohuawu prints as historical data of modern China. By interpreting the existing Taohuawu prints after the era of Jiaqing and Daoguang (in Qind dynasty) and analyzing their design, production, consumption and sells, the economical and social situations of modern Suzhou are discussed. These prints also reflect the mentality of the masses. Unique and great social and art values of the Taohuawu print are revealed. Finally, by recalling the history of the decay of the Taohuawu print and studying its causes, ways of inheriting, protecting and developing this intangible culture heritage and how to revive it in contemporary society are considered.