Local residents visit Nantong Blue Calico Museum to peruse the newly unveiled horse dolls. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

With just over a month left before the Chinese New Year of the Horse begins, Nantong Blue Calico Museum has launched a new collection of horse dolls to celebrate.

These dolls are crafted using traditional blue calico techniques, skillfully blending modern design elements to create a series of culturally rich and stylishly adorable horse figures.

The traditional horse dolls feature a combination of red fabric and blue calico. The striking contrast between deep indigo and vibrant red enhances the visual appeal and continues the classic charm of Nantong blue calico, prized for its "white patterns on blue backgrounds and blue patterns on white backgrounds".

Horse dolls are on display at Nantong Blue Calico Museum. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Additionally, the designers have created hanging-style dolls that integrate Chinese knot elements with the horse figures, allowing them to serve as both ornaments and hanging decorations, symbolizing "immediate success and good fortune".

In terms of craftsmanship, the dolls retain traditional hand-sewing and blue calico hand-dyeing techniques. The size is also more suitable for use as cultural and creative gifts or home decorations.

According to Ni Shenjian, deputy director of Nantong Blue Calico Museum, they first ventured into designing and creating zodiac-themed dolls 12 years ago, receiving widespread acclaim. Over the years, meticulous refinement has led to the inclusion of abstract lines and symbolic decorations in some, such as delicate textured patchwork on the horse's body and streamlined mane and tail designs, adding a dynamic flair to their shapes.

Ni said that these dolls are not only a celebration of the Chinese New Year but also a way to bridge traditional crafts with modern life, breathing new life into heritage techniques. When displayed together, the interwoven red and blue colors exude a rich festive flavor, becoming cultural carriers that convey blessings.