THE ULTIMATE CHINESE NEW YEAR INSPIRATION ILLUSTRATED ON WALLPAPER
I recently visited the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) and found a room whose sole purpose was to show off the wallpaper. For Chinese New Year inspiration, look no further. Every wall of this room was covered with scenes of Chinese New Year celebrations. It was engrossing and delightful. I’m sharing it with you because I want you to be happy.
The hand-painted wallpaper was made for export in China in the late 1700s or early 1800s. There was an Asian art trend that only the rich in the U.S. could afford. But, for the same reason I believe silly hats at a party are always a good idea, I think this wallpaper would make every event within its walls more fun.
KIDS WILL BE KIDS
Just try not to smile when you see this group of teen boys flying a lucky goldfish kite with one boy smushing the face of another. Why is that fun? We don’t know, but boys, and also girls, do it all the time. An older man in a bright red hat to their right looks on with a grin. I’m sure if he could shake his head a little, while remaining static on wallpaper, he would.
There are scenes like this around the entire room at the MIA. Each little corner is filled with fun and laughter. All ages celebrating in their own way. Games, music, dancing and lots of laughter.
IS EVERYONE HAVING FUN?
Here a performer on a platform balances a ladder on her feet and a child is dangling from the top of the ladder. I’m not sure if the child is having fun, but there are quite a few onlookers and no one seems alarmed.
I love that this wallpaper is beautifully painted with bright colors and excellent detail, but that it doesn’t take itself so seriously. Whoever bought this wallpaper for their home had some very lively parties.
THE LION DANCE
Finally, the classic lion dance procession with musicians following behind is just emerging from a garden gate into the crowd below. The performers are enjoying themselves even before they have an audience. Where I live there’s a Halloween parade and you can enjoy it one of two ways. Half the town happily marches in the parade. The other half happily watches the parade.
This illustration is a lighthearted inspiration for anyone looking
forward to celebrating Chinese New Year. For more ideas, check out our post Ten Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year with Your Kids Without Spending a Dime, as well as our Pinterest Board China for Kids.
What are your happiest Chinese New Years memories? Do you have Chinese New Year inspiration to share with others?
Enjoy!
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