76.

Gu Qun (b. 1928)

Celebrating the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

Undated

Woodblock print

19 x 28 cm

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There were comparatively few female artists in the communist-controlled ‘liberated areas’ in the 1940s. In printmaking, Gu Qun specialised in nianhua (New Year pictures). Folk-art styles were particularly effective for propaganda in revolutionary and wartime China. This highly detailed woodblock print celebrates the founding of the PRC on 1 October 1949, illustrating the masses’ genuinely enthusiastic welcome to the new leadership and to the end of the Civil War (1946-49). Gu Qun also worked in stained glass and ceramics.

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Muban Educational Trust registration number guvqv001