New Year Wiping Picture, also called the New Year Picture of calendar, has a history of 80 years.It originated from the posters that were used by the merchants to solicit customers. Most of these posters with a calendar are also called "Calendar Pictures" because they are presented as a gift of the goods. Later, it appeared as the New Year Picture, so is also called "New Year Picture of Calendar". This kind of picture originated in Shanghai and soon spread throughout the country. Since it is printed with the watercolor on the basis of a light sketch that was wiped with the carbon powder, it is generally called "New Year Wiping Picture".
New Year Wiping Picture accustoms to Chinese traditional habit of enjoying pictures. Its form of expression is minute, the figures are vivid and the color is bright. It looks lifelike whether in a distance or just nearly.
After the New Year Wiping Picture is carried to Hebei, the painters use the technique of this painting and the characters of the folk New Year Woodblock Engraving, such as the ornamental composition, joyous and lucky subjects and brighter color. At last, it turns into Hebei New Year Wiping Picture that is of local features. The painter Liu Jinglong from Nuancheng is the main one of Hebei New Year Wiping Pictures. His works include Everything Turn Out as Wishes, Bring Riches and Treasures, Compare the Dolls and Children' Play etc.
