The Nianhua Gallery
Women
Women appear frequently as subjects in nianhua. Their most common roles are defined according to the traditional conception of the ideal woman as a “good wife, wise mother” (xianqi liangmu), or in their economic role as a textile producer (Nü shimang). As featured in the tale of “Second Concubine Teachers Her Son” (Sanniang jiaozi), the “exemplary woman” (lienü) was expected to overcome adversity and be loyal to her husband and son or to remain a “chaste widow” in the event of her husband’s death. More frequently, nianhua represent the joys of betrothal and motherhood as seen in the many variations on giving birth to “chubby babies” (pang wawa).
Symbolism is paramount in these images, and a fish or flower can mean many things beyond what meets the eye. As characters in dramas, women are often cast contrary to such expectations; as objects of desire, as heroic fighters, and as free spirits (see the “Theatre” section of this website, especially “Diaochan Serves Wine”, “Monkey Steals the Banana Leaf Fan” and “At the Sweet Dew Temple”). In the religious realm female deities and immortals are seen to aid women in achieving fertility and lead all people toward health, prosperity and enlightenment.
Symbolism is paramount in these images, and a fish or flower can mean many things beyond what meets the eye. As characters in dramas, women are often cast contrary to such expectations; as objects of desire, as heroic fighters, and as free spirits (see the “Theatre” section of this website, especially “Diaochan Serves Wine”, “Monkey Steals the Banana Leaf Fan” and “At the Sweet Dew Temple”). In the religious realm female deities and immortals are seen to aid women in achieving fertility and lead all people toward health, prosperity and enlightenment.
