New 24 Examples of Piety – 2 of 4

Chinese propaganda poster from the Cultural Revolution era (mid-20th century). The title at the top, Xīn èrshísì xiào, translates as the “New Twenty-Four Branches” (or New Twenty-Four Examples of Filial Piety).

This type of poster was designed to reinterpret traditional Confucian values ​​of respect for elders through modern socialist lenses.

The poster consists of six illustrative panels promoting exemplary social behaviors:

Content: The scenes depict multigenerational families living harmoniously, focusing on younger members caring for the elderly, using modern technology of the time (such as a washing machine), or enjoying leisure activities like watching TV.

Historical Context: These posters were tools of political and social education, published by entities such as the Shanghai Renmin Meishu Chubanshe (Shanghai People’s Arts Publishing House) to encourage a “new culture”.

Artistic Style: It uses the characteristic style of nyanhua (New Year’s prints), with vibrant colors and idealized characters to project an image of happiness and progress under the communist regime.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges

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