Guangxi Autonomous Region: Guilin nianhua Workshop

1. Long Live the People's Republic of China 1950 68 x 38 cm Polychromatic; oil-based inks on yang paper Huang Dan, artist, and Shen Yungsheng, engraver Printed on the bottom margin: "Guilin City Literature and Art Section of the Culture and Education Committee of the Military Control Committee. Guangxi New Year's Picture Research and Creation Committee. Published by Xin Hua (New China) Bookstore." The traditional task of a god who guards the gate is performed, instead, by a mounted People's Liberation Army soldier, whose horse stands above the date, 1950. The title of the print is written on the gate's lintel. Together, the characters on the four pendant red lanterns read, "the state brings peace to the people." Posters on the sides of the gate bear slogans: "liberation triumphs," "the people give food and support the frontline," "construction and production," "persist in the revolution till the end," "oppose hegemonism," "clear out bandits," and "hardwork and thriftiness makes prosperous families." The print was created for the first New Year immediately after the founding of the People's Republic of China (October 1949).