Qiao Mai: Breathing New Life into a Thousand-Year-Old Tradition

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Qiao Lanrong (stage name Qiao Mai), born in 1982, is a representative inheritor of the Taohuawu Woodblock New Year Paintings, a national intangible cultural heritage. With nearly 20 years of dedication, she has revitalized this ancient craft. Following traditional teachings, she strives for excellence, meticulously honing every step, from drawing to engraving to rubbing, and meticulously sharpening her carving knives, in pursuit of ultimate fluidity and precision. Her works have been featured in numerous national art exhibitions, collected by institutions and collectors both domestically and internationally, and invited to participate in international exchanges, becoming a shining symbol of Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage.
Qiao Mai firmly believes that "New Year paintings are joyful art." She actively promotes the living legacy of intangible cultural heritage, not only promoting the art of New Year paintings in communities and schools but also conducting public welfare programs for vulnerable groups, bringing the warmth of traditional art to people's hearts. She also founded the "Qiao Mai New Year Painting" brand, developing cultural and creative products that blend traditional charm with modern aesthetics. She also offers intangible cultural heritage experiential courses, allowing the public to experience the spirit of craftsmanship through hands-on rubbing.
Using a knife instead of a pen and painting to convey emotions, Qiao Maizheng continues the thousand-year-old story of Taohuawu woodblock New Year paintings in contemporary language, allowing intangible cultural heritage to truly "live" in the present.
乔兰蓉（艺名乔麦），1982年生，国家级非物质文化遗产“桃花坞木版年画”市级代表性传承人。她以近20年的坚守，让这门古老技艺焕发新生。她师承传统，精益求精，从绘稿、刻版到拓印，每一道工序都反复锤炼，甚至对刻刀也百般磨砺，只为追求极致的流畅与精准。她的作品多次亮相全国美术展，被海内外机构及藏家收藏，并受邀赴国外交流，成为苏州非遗文化的一张亮丽名片。
乔麦深信“年画是快乐的艺术”。她积极推动非遗活态传承，不仅走进社区、校园普及年画技艺，还为特殊群体开展公益教学，让传统艺术温暖人心。同时，她创立“乔麦年画”品牌，开发兼具传统韵味与现代审美的文创产品，并开设非遗体验课程，让公众在亲手拓印中感受匠人精神。
以刀代笔，以画传情，乔麦正用当代语言续写桃花坞木版年画的千年故事，让非遗真正“活”在当下。