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Year of the Horse: Traditional Carvings & Symbolism

The first step in making a Jiama print is sketching the desired design onto a wooden block. /CGTN The first step in making a Jiama print is sketching the desired design onto a wooden block. /CGTN The first…


The first step in making a Jiama print is sketching the desired design onto a wooden block. /CGTN


The first step in making a Jiama print is sketching the desired design onto a wooden block. /CGTN


The first step in making a Jiama print is sketching the desired design onto a wooden block. /CGTN


The second step is carving away the excess wood along the lines on the wooden block. /CGTN


The second step is carving away the excess wood along the lines on the wooden block. /CGTN


The second step is carving away the excess wood along the lines on the wooden block. /CGTN


The second step is carving away the excess wood along the lines on the wooden block. /CGTN


Ink is then applied to the wooden block and pressed onto paper to print the desired image. /CGTN


Ink is then applied to the wooden block and pressed onto paper to print the desired image. /CGTN

In traditional Chinese culture, Jiama is regarded as a messenger bridging the mortal world and the divine. Bold, unrestrained lines convey dignity, while concise compositions hold quiet yet profound wishes. Every motif is a blessing; every print is a fragment of history carved into the grain of wood. As the vibrant Year of the Horse approaches, the horse in Jiama is more than a symbol — it embodies the spirit of swift achievement and forward momentum. Within these carved marks, one can almost hear the footsteps of the New Year drawing near.

date: 2026-02-15 08:19:00

About the author: Anika Shah - Technology

MSc in Computer Science, senior reporter. Anika focuses on AI ethics, cybersecurity, and emerging hardware—frequently moderating panels at CES and Web Summit. “Anika Shah decodes tech breakthroughs and startup disruption shaping tomorrow’s digital landscape.”