Dali Jiama woodblock prints originate from the Bai ethnic culture of Dali, Yunnan. Traditionally created through hand-carved woodblocks and ink printing, these prints were closely tied to festivals, rituals, and everyday wishes. Common motifs include horses, deities, symbolic characters, and abstracted natural elements—simple in form, yet visually powerful.
In Bai culture, Jiama does not merely refer to a horse. It represents a symbolic messenger—one that moves between the human world and the spiritual realm, carrying prayers for protection, safe passage, prosperity, and harmony. Jiama prints were believed to serve as vehicles for intention, bridging the tangible and the unseen.
Over time, Jiama has evolved beyond its original ritual function into a distinctive visual language. Its bold lines, rhythmic compositions, and strong contrasts reflect both spiritual symbolism and graphic clarity, allowing Jiama imagery to resonate naturally within contemporary design contexts while preserving its cultural depth.