Vintage 20thC Chinese Folk Art Woodblock Print

Vintage 20thC Chinese Folk Art Woodblock Print – Musician, Phoenix & Crane – Professionally Framed (18" x 22") Up for auction is a beautifully executed original Chinese folk art woodblock print, dating from the mid-to-late 20th century. This captivating piece showcases a classical Chinese allegorical scene rich in traditional symbolism and striking visual narrative. The central composition features a seated female figure clad in traditional robes playing a Sheng (a classical Chinese mouth-blown reed instrument). She is flanked by two auspicious birds: a magnificent, vibrant Fenghuang (Chinese Phoenix) sweeping downward, and a regal Crane standing below. In Chinese culture, the phoenix represents virtue, grace, and prosperity, while the crane symbolizes longevity and wisdom. The scene is framed by a stylized orange-leafed tree, a mountain peak, and dense pine-like textures. Artisan Craftsmanship & Details • Medium: Authentic multi-block relief woodblock print. Close inspection reveals beautiful, natural wood grain fissures and ink voids in the deep blocks (such as the tree trunk and robes), proving this was hand-pulled from genuine carved wood matrices rather than a digital reproduction. • Paper Type: Hand-pressed onto authentic, heavily textured, fibrous oriental mulberry (Xuan) paper. • Coloring: Features masterfully applied gradated inking (shading), blending seamlessly from deep blues to warm yellows and reds on the phoenix's plumage. • Signatures/Markings: Anonymous / Unsigned (an authentic attribute of traditional regional workshop folk art). Framing & Condition • Frame Dimensions: 18" x 22" (approx. 46 cm x 56 cm) • Framing Style: Housed in a sleek, vintage brushed-gold metallic frame with a custom-cut cream conservation mat board. • Artwork Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The ink remains remarkably vibrant with no fading. The paper is clean, showing no signs of foxing, water damage, or tearing. • Verso (Back): Professionally sealed with a clean, fully intact brown paper dust cover and heavy-duty D-ring wire hanging hardware. Ready to hang. Specifications • Subject: Mythological Chinese Scene, Traditional Musician & Sacred Birds • Era: Mid-to-Late 20th Century • Style: Folk Art / Regional Relief Printmaking Nearest intersection Younge Street and Stelees Avenue