The creators of Chinese folk art come from the working class masses of China’s rural areas. They are mostly female laborers. A communal art, folk art would engender all of Chinese literature and all later art. Its presence is evident in everyday food, clothing, shelter and transportation; in traditional festivals, ceremonies and rituals, and in beliefs and taboos. As a living example of cultural heritage, it shows the continuity of Chinese culture from primitive society to present, a culture that bears distinct national and geographical characteristics. With this heritage, Chinese culture boasts the longest history and the richest historical sources, and of all cultures, considers itself the most widely shared and the most geographically distinct. Its cultural implication and art form accumulate a historical culture of 7,000-8,000 years dating back to primitive society. 

About Author

Jin Zhilin, born in 1928 and graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1951. He has been long engaged in the researching and teaching of Chinese folk art and oil painting. At present, he is a professor of the Central Academy of Fine Arts and is a consultant of the Academy Committee of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. He is the member of the National Folk Culture Protection Project Expert Committee of the Ministry of Culture. His main works include: The Cultural Series on Chinese Folk Arts and Archeology, Baby with Coiled Hair – the God of Protection and Multiplication of the Chinese Nationality, The Tree of Life, Qin Zhidao, Generation after Generation, and etc.

Foreword
Six Characteristics of Chinese Folk Art
The Core of Chinese Folk Art
Life and Propagation—an All-time Theme
Symbols of Visual Objects
Totems
Social Context of Chinese Folk Art
The Social Context of Folk Arts
Folk Arts and Festivities
Folk Arts in Daily Life
Folk Arts in Beliefs and Taboos
The Structure of Chinese Folk Art
Philosophy Concept
The Shaping Structure
The Structure of Colors
Creators of Chinese Folk Art
The Art of the Laborer Community
The Art of Folk Artist Community
Various Chinese Folk Art Works
Paper-cut
Leather Silhouette
Woodcut New Year Picture
Masks and the Culture of Exorcism
Kite