The craft of Jiaodong woodcut printing, once confined within picture frames, now finds its way into everyday life through Yantai artisan Zhu Wuxue. [Photo/Laishan district media convergence center]

Jiaodong woodcut printing, a traditional Shandong folk art originally limited to frames, is now being reimagined into everyday items by Yantai artisan Zhu Wuxue.

Known for its vivid colors and regional themes carved directly onto wood, the craft now adorns  pillow slips, tote bags, and wall hangings in Zhu's studio.

Zhu began his artistic journey in the 1980s, drawing inspiration from childhood memories of indigo dyeing. His style captures the essence of Jiaodong's coast with clean lines and earthy tones. The process remains painstaking — a single carving can take over 10 days, with color layering requiring meticulous care.

While keeping with these "slow craft" traditions, Zhu also uses digital tools to refine designs, though he believes the essence of woodcut lies in hand-carved texture and subtle color shifts.

A significant change occurred in 2007 when Zhu started printing woodcuts onto fabric. His range now includes tablecloths, scented sachets, and plush toys, with his zodiac animal series selling over 10,000 pieces yearly.

To sustain the craft, Zhu trains apprentices in his workshop. "I'll keep going as long as people appreciate it," he says. He plans to create more works that resonate today, integrating Jiaodong woodcut printing into modern life.