Chinese Woodcut Masters Carve Out A Living in Pu'er

Out-of-print woodcut printing first started in Pu'er city, Yunnan province, in the 1980s and quickly rose in popularity creating a unique cultural heritage for the area.

The difference between out-of-print and standard woodcuts is that the former cannot be duplicated. The art form combines carving and printing to produce multi-colored woodcuts.

Experts say that woodcut prints from Pu'er uniquely convey the many Chinese myths and legends associated with area, through the artists' gouging of the wood and rolling of the paint.

Shang Mingpeng, works at Pu'er Art Gallery, and has been teaching and creating printmaking for 30 years. Shang said that each artist expresses their individual view of life through their works, giving people an insight into their past, present and future.

Shang introduced Pu'er's Breeze Gallery which is home to the works of many popular local artists.

For example, painter Leng Guangmian, whose work exhibits a rich palette of color, uses paint to create an array of visual effects.

The works of artist Chen Li, often display large 3-D scenes, combining unrestrained imagination and the spiritual world.

The works of local artist Shi Xiaoming is on display at the Pu'er Breeze Gallery and attract many visitors.

Another favorite among visitors are artist Chen Long’s work. People marvel at the scenes he creates depicting flowing water, quaint bridges and blue skies.

Local artist Gao Chaomin often engraves painstakingly realistic works which depict vast landscapes.