民间艺术家画138匹马庆祝新年

民间艺术家画138匹马庆祝新年

138 gallant horses on a 20 meter long scroll. This special gift for the coming Chinese New Year of the Horse has been created by Jiang Xianxiao, a famous folk artist in the city of Wuhan. The artist spent a year creating the piece and now it has gone on display there.

Gazing at the painting in the brilliant sunshine, many local residents say this is their first time to see so many horses together. And there are 138 of them, sprawling across the 20-meter-long painting.

Eating grass in a field or swimming in a clear lake, lying leisurely on the ground or galloping like the wind, all the horses look lively and strong. The artist behind the work, 65-year-old Jiang Xianxiao, says he has spent a year creating it.

The joy of artistic creation is not just for Jiang alone. This is also a moment of happiness and excitement for his neighbors. Jiang’s 10-year-old granddaughter also brings out her works of art which are both funny and amazing.

The little girl presents her cartoon version of the zodiac horse on another long scroll. Using her imagination, the horses she has painted are playing all sorts of games in natural harmony.

Jiang explains that the number 138 pronounced in Chinese has a very auspicious meaning, “A Lifetime of Wealth," which represents his good wishes for all his fellow citizens.