Chinese Crafts

As a doctoral student from Sri Lanka, I recently embarked on a research study tour in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, focusing on ethnic integration, Silk Road culture, and civilizational exchange and mutual learning. My journey took me to the Xinjiang Museum, where I delved into the region's rich history and culture. This cultural trip not only shed new light on my academic pursuits but also deepened my appreciation for Xinjiang's diverse history and culture. By visiting in person, I gained a deeper understanding of the region's historical culture, ethnic customs, and modern achievements. This allowed me to form a more comprehensive and objective view of Xinjiang and to appreciate China in a more true, three-dimensional, and holistic way. The Xinjiang Museum is like a portal to ancient civilizations, where each exhibition hall represents a chapter of old memories, guiding me through the mingling of ethnicities and cultures on this land. As I wandered through the halls, it felt as if I could hear history whispering and feel the breath of culture. One exhibit area that showcased ethnic integration particularly captivated me. A stone monument, inscribed with Chinese, Uyghur, and other minority languages, symbolized not just cultural exchange but also…

Basic Introduction to Lungchang Terracotta The Lungchang Terracotta factories are mainly distributed in the Shiyangqiao Town, with over a hundred of them. The unique natural eco-friendly terracotta clay in this area, combined with handcrafted and traditional methods, results in terracotta products that are acid and alkali-resistant, have good breathability, and do not leak. Terracotta products are widely used, including pickle jars, flower pots, water containers, wine jars and bottles, among others. Product Characteristics (1) Rustic elegance, fine terracotta texture, bluish color, rich hue, and glossy glaze. (2) A loud, crisp sound when struck, with a pleasant aftertone. (3) Good breathability without leakage over long-term use and excellent load-bearing capacity. Historical and Folk Customs The production of Lungchang Terracotta has a history of more than 600 years. Its production process includes making clay, forming, glazing, and firing. In the Shiyangqiao Town area of Sichuan’s Lungchang, a unique Han Chinese terracotta culture has formed, with almost every household using terracotta products for storing water, wine, pickles, and more. Many locals have been running this “iron rice bowl” business from generation to generation. Manufacturing Method From making kiln tables (used to hold the terracotta during firing), preparing clay, forming, glazing, to firing, it…

Basic Introduction to Cantonese EmbroideryCantonese embroidery, one of the four famous embroidery styles in China, historically referred to embroidery products from Guangzhou, Foshan, Nanhai, Panyu, Shunde, and other areas—specifically, embroidery crafts from the Guangfu region. This includes embroidered paintings, theatrical costumes, beaded embroidery, and more. Product CharacteristicsCantonese embroidery works share a common feature: they are striking from afar and exquisitely detailed up close. In the early Qing Dynasty, British merchants brought clothing designs to Guangzhou workshops for embroidery. As these designs were in the Western oil painting style, embroiderers increased the variety of threads and improved their techniques to make the embroidery lifelike, enhancing the expressiveness of the embroidery and improving the skills of Cantonese embroidery. Techniques included twisting peacock feathers into thread and wrapping horsehair around yarn to create outlines. When British merchants brought designs to Guangzhou for embroidery, Cantonese embroidery absorbed the artistic style of Western oil painting, using perspective and principles of light reflection to enrich the design palette and expressiveness of the embroidery. These embroidered items were widely used in interior decoration and daily clothing. The mid-Qing Dynasty was the heyday of Cantonese embroidery exports; large embroidered paintings were taxed at 1.2 taels of silver, indicating…

Basic Introduction to Italian Glass ArtifactsAs early as the 15th century, with the invention of glass-blowing techniques and the development of processes such as manufacturing milk glass, Italy's glass industry was already thriving. The glass products made here are characterized by exquisite shapes and finely detailed craftsmanship, which makes them highly favored by consumers. Copper oxide added to the glass produces green; cobalt, blue; and gold, red glass – a specialty of Italy. Common glass-forming methods include blowing, pressing, drawing, casting, and rolling. Product CharacteristicsArt glass is an item that uses colored art glass as its medium and combines various fine arts techniques to recreate reality, emotion, and ideals, bringing together imagination to achieve the mutual objectification of the aesthetic subject and the aesthetic object. To be more specific, colored art glass is a reflection of people's spiritual world in their daily lives and is also the organic product of artists' perceptions, emotions, ideals, and intentions. Historical FolkloreThe history of Venetian glass in Italy can be traced back to after the fall of the Western Roman Empire when glassmaking techniques from the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East were brought to Venice by refugees. By 982 AD, the glass industry…

Basic Introduction to Maliu EmbroideryMaliu Embroidery is a folk cross-stitch embroidery from Liuxiang, Chaotian District. Maliu embroidery women use various colored local threads to embroider on different types of local cloth. The patterns they create depict themes such as love and happiness, farming and harvesting, entertainment and dance, or flowers, birds, insects, and fish, all imbued with the spirit of northern Sichuan and a strong rustic charm. As it is handmade by cross-stitching, Maliu embroidery has a strong individual character and is highly valuable for collectors. Many tourists and collectors both domestically and internationally cherish them as precious treasures, taking great pleasure in collecting them.The "Chinese Folk Art Hometown," Liuxiang, is renowned at home and abroad for its rustic Maliu customs and folk embroidery. It is said that the people of Maliu are descended from Han Chinese assimilation of the Qiang ethnic group. People in Maliu like to wear clothes embroidered with exquisite patterns and live in stilt houses known as "main house with side pavilions." They enjoy singing mountain songs, playing gongs (drums), and lion-dragon dances... their simple folkways are similar to those of the Qiang people. Maliu embroidery is a handicraft passed down from generation to generation. In…

Basic Introduction to Boshan CeramicsBoshan has long been known as the "Porcelain Capital" and is one of China's five major ceramic production areas. Among Boshan Art Ceramics, the most famous is the "Raindrop Glaze," historically referred to as "oil drop." It is named for its appearance of luminous silver spots on a dark glaze surface. These spots are as small as grains of rice, resembling shining stars in the night sky from a distance, which led to the saying that "a foot-tall vase or an inch-deep bowl is considered an unparalleled treasure, while teacups and wine goblets are regarded as priceless rarities." Product FeaturesBoshan Art Ceramics come in a myriad of forms, both graceful and vivid, exquisitely delicate, evoking a lifelike feeling. The art of engraving porcelain is hailed as the essence of Eastern art and a unique specialty of China. With simple hammers and chisels, artisans create breathtaking works on porcelain plates. Many of these engravings have been designated as national gifts presented by Chinese leaders to foreign heads of state as high-end gifts. Exquisite black pottery artworks, inheriting the traditions of Dawenkou Culture and Longshan Culture, are characterized by their "paper-thinness, lacquer-brightness, and bell-like resonance." Garden ceramics, standing…

Basic Introduction to Fushun AmberThe Xilutian mine in Fushun City, Liaoning Province, is a source of high-quality amber. Types of Fushun amber include golden amber, white cloud amber, flower amber, and the unique blood amber among transparent and translucent varieties. Fushun amber primarily originates from the amber-bearing coal strata of the early Tertiary period in the Cenozoic era. The most famous amber comes from countries along the Baltic Sea coastline in Europe; however, other regions such as North America, the United States, India, New Zealand, and Myanmar also produce it. In China, amber is found in Fushun, Liaoning Province, and the Nanyang region in Henan Province. The amber from Fushun ranges in color from yellow to golden yellow and often contains insects, making it exceptionally beautiful and valuable. Its enchanting allure has earned praise from collectors across China and around the world. Product FeaturesFushun amber handicrafts are made by polishing amber, a byproduct of the open-pit coal mines in Fushun, into unique crafts that reflect local style. These amber handicrafts are as clear as crystal and as smooth as jade. The history of amber carving in Fushun is long-standing, with artisans designing and skillfully carving various amber crafts based on…

Basic Introduction to Lianghe HulusiHulusi is a free reed aerophone. The Dai, De'ang, and Achang ethnic groups residing in Lianghe have had a profound cultural heritage for over a century, particularly the distinctively featured Hulusi (also known as Hulushao, called "Biliangdao" in Dai language), which has a long history in the predominantly Dai ethnic towns of Mangdong and Mengyang. Its origins can be traced back to ancient legends. Historically, the Hulusi art adopted advanced Han Chinese production tools and techniques relatively late, with slower development in productivity, entering the landlord economy stage later. On this foundation, the policies of "Reform through Replacement" were gradually implemented during the Ming and Qing dynasties, thereby integrating the social economy of the Dai people with seven other indigenous ethnic groups: Han, Achang, Wa, De'ang, Jingpo, Lisu. Product FeaturesHulusi is a free reed aerophone that retains the characteristics of ancient instruments, played using natural breathing or circular breathing techniques. With circular breathing, it can continuously produce tones in a fifth interval, with a beautiful and vivid sound. Hulusi consists of an intact miniature gourd, three purple bamboo tubes, and a metal reed. A 30-40 cm long bamboo tube serves as the main pipe, with seven…

Basic Introduction of Liaoyan InkstoneThe Liaoyan inkstone, along with the Duan and Huai inkstones, is known as one of China's three famous inkstones. It is uniquely produced in Benxi, Liaoning Province, China. The unique geological formations, shaped over millions of years, have given rise to two types of rare stones: brownish-red and bluish-green, also known as Ziyun stone (purple cloud stone) and Qingyun stone (green cloud stone). These stones are renowned for their qualities of being "smooth yet not causing ink to run, slightly rough but not damaging the brush, and capable of preserving ink better than any other inkstone." This provides invaluable natural resources for the creation and carving of Liaoyan inkstones. On the blueish-green stone, there are naturally occurring reddish-purple veins that resemble red clouds on a blue sky, captured within the inkstone, evoking imagination and poetic inspiration. It has been cherished by scholars and literati throughout history. General Zhang Xueliang, together with his mentor Bai Yongzhen, composed a poem praising the Liaoyan inkstone: "Rare treasures open in the mountains east of the Pass, blue skies and red clouds condensed in the stone. Skilled craftsmen carve the Liaoyan inkstones, treasures unique to Sibaozhai." Nutritional ValueThe Liaoyan inkstone should…

Basic Introduction to Foshan StoneThe Chinese treasure - Foshan Stone (Shoushan Stone), one of the traditional "Four Major Seal Stones" in China. It is distributed in the "Golden Triangle" area where the suburban areas of Jin'an District in the northern suburbs of Fuzhou City intersect with Lianjiang County and Luoyuan County. If we consider the direction of the mineral veins, it can be further divided into three systems: Gao Shan, Qi Shan, and Yue Yang. As the Foshan mining area was developed early, the old saying "field pits, water pits, mountain pits" referred to the minerals extracted from the fields, watercourses, and caves in this mining area. After 1500 years of mining, over a hundred varieties of Foshan stones have emerged. Foshan stone has become one of the significant bridges for economic and trade exchanges and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait. Product CharacteristicsFoshan Stone belongs to the type of diatomite, with a moist texture, glossy appearance, and low hardness. The characteristics of Foshan Stone being "warm, lustrous, and easy to carve" have made it a preferred material for carving since ancient times. History and FolkloreAccording to legend, when the Phoenix Goddess was dispatched by the Heavenly Emperor to tour…

Basic Introduction to Qingyang EmbroideryEmbroidery is a major category of folk arts and crafts in Qingyang, widely distributed across thousands of households. The embroidery from Qingyang and Zhengning counties is the most famous.Qingyang embroidery includes a wide variety of items such as clothing, cushions, shoe uppers, sock soles, pillow tops, belly bands, ear pillows, hats, sachets, tobacco pouches, needle cases, and cloth toys. Although not as renowned as Suzhou embroidery or other embroidery schools, it has a long history, a strong foundation, and a unique style. As the living standards of people in the old revolutionary base area continue to rise, it shines with an increasingly enchanting brilliance.The colors of Qingyang embroidery are bright, clearly layered, and strongly contrasting, deep but not murky, vibrant yet not gaudy. In terms of color configuration, red, black, blue, and white are the primary hues, achieving a striking, vivid, pure, elegant, and powerful effect.Qingyang is one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation and Chinese civilization, and an important repository of cultural resources. Incense pouches, Longxiu (embroidery from Longdong region), folk paper-cuttings, Daoqing shadow plays, and Longdong folk songs are known as the "five wonders" of Qingyang. Vivid animal embroideries and tranquil, beautiful landscape…

Turquoise Basic Introduction to TurquoiseTurquoise, the holy stone, can accumulate wealth, heal illnesses, ward off evil, prevent accidents, and improve both mental and physical health. It is universally recognized as a lucky stone. Actually, Turkey does not produce turquoise; it was likely named so because ancient Persian turquoise was initially transported through Turkey to Europe. Product FeaturesThe color ranges from sky blue to green, depending on the ratio of copper and iron content in the mineral. It generally appears in microcrystalline form as a blocky aggregate with a pearly fracture, usually as an outer shell or in nodular form. Currently, artificial turquoise can be synthesized in laboratories, but like synthetic crystals, its color is very uniform, differing from natural turquoise which often has irregularities or other inclusions of different colors, making them easy to distinguish. History and FolkloreWearing turquoise signifies prosperity. A gift is believed to bring more luck than something purchased oneself. Persian men often wore turquoise rings on their little fingers when traveling, while women wore them in hopes of becoming pregnant. In the Middle East, it is also considered a symbol of prosperity. People generally believe that wearing this gemstone brings good fortune, hence men also wear…

Basic Introduction to Dafang LacquerwareDafang Lacquerware is a traditional work of craft and art with ethnic style and local characteristics in Guizhou Province. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Dafang Lacquerware was selected as a "tribute" to be presented to the emperor. As a household decorative item for studies and living rooms, it adds an elegant, antique charm.It is also used as daily utensils in people's homes for holding dry and fresh fruits, sweets, and even dishes. Dafang Lacquerware was extremely popular during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, almost every household in the ancient Dading Prefecture knew how to make lacquerware, hence it was known as the "Lacquer City." Product FeaturesThe features of Dafang Lacquerware include elegant and realistic patterns, simple shapes, bright and reflective lacquer finish, vibrant colors, durability, and distinct national characteristics. Used as tableware, it does not conduct heat, mix flavors, leak, or attract pests; it is resistant to acids, alkalis, and is not prone to decay, nor does it fade.Another specialty of Dafang Lacquerware is its use of leather from livestock such as cattle, horses, and sheep, with cotton, hemp, silk, satin, and wood as the core material, and high-quality raw…

Basic Introduction to Kazuo Purple Clay Purple clay and pottery in Kazuo County have a long history, dating back to the prehistoric Hongshan Culture period. A large number of pottery artifacts have been unearthed from the sacrificial site at Dongshan觜 and the Niuheliang site in Kazuo County, including cylinder jars, slanted mouth vessels, pots, dou (a type of vessel), covered jars, nude female figures, and clay goddesses. During the Hongshan Culture period, the pottery was mainly composed of sand-mixed gray pottery and mud-quality red pottery, with the latter accounting for a larger proportion than the former. Product Features Kazuo purple clay products are high-temperature pottery made from purple clay ore through multiple processes. The ore appears in various colors such as purplish-red, dark purple, vermilion, etc. It has a fine and hard texture with a closely packed granular structure. It is fired at a high temperature, with the vitrification temperature approaching that of porcelain, thus making it a high-temperature pottery. Due to the evenly distributed sandy particles in the raw material, the surface remains clear and smooth after firing, with a refined and elegant appearance. Because the purple clay ore comes in many colors, people make full use of the…

Basic Introduction to Bangladeshi PearlThe English name for pearl is Pearl, which evolved from the Latin word Pernulo. Its other name, Margarite, is derived from an ancient Persian Sanskrit term, meaning “son of the sea.”Due to its unique environmental advantages, Bangladeshi pearls are produced in large quantities and have full-sized grains, favored by Chinese tourists and other foreigners visiting Bangladesh.Famous pearl beaches include Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach, which boasts the longest and widest beach in the world. Beautiful Bangladesh, a land nurtured by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, has a humid subtropical climate with a coastline stretching 550 kilometers. Due to underdeveloped industry, traditional handicrafts and gem processing industries are still preserved here. Nutritional ValueSince pearls come into close contact with the skin, their active components can enter the body through friction. Pearls have some absorption capacity for body fluids, and the skin can absorb the medicinal components contained within the pearl, which can affect local areas and have anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects;Pearls contain calcium carbonate, calcium oxide, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, as well as magnesium, manganese, copper, iodine, phosphorus, strontium, lead, sodium, potassium, and many other elements, along with over a dozen amino acids. In medicine, pearls have calming, soothing,…

Basic Introduction to Tiantan Inkstone The Tiantan Inkstone, also known as "Pangu Inkstone" or "Panggu Inkstone," is a precious and unique type of inkstone. It is produced in Jiyuan City, Henan Province, China, primarily sourced from the banks of Panggu Spring on the eastern side of Tiantan Peak in Wangwu Mountain, Jiyuan. Its stone quality is fine and warm, firm yet not brittle, soft yet not spongy, tough yet not hard, smooth yet not slippery, with a color like jade and a sound like that of a wooden fish. This type of inkstone has been beloved by scholars and literati throughout history for its virtues: "firm and moist in quality, smooth in carving, splendid in color, clear in sound, heavy in body, and complete in preservation." The Tiantan Inkstone combines the essence of inkstone carving from both southern and northern China, featuring the delicate intricacy of the south and the robust simplicity of the north. It integrates sculpture, painting, and calligraphy, forming a unique artistic style characterized by "shaping according to the stone, crafting according to the material, clever use of colors, and refined subtlety." In history, the style of Tiantan Inkstones evolved from the basket-shaped inkstones of the Sui…

Basic Introduction to Eternal Spring Lacquer BasketsThe Eternal Spring Lacquer Basket is a renowned Han Chinese lacquerware handicraft in the Minnan region of Fujian Province. As an important household item, lacquer baskets are widely popular in the Minnan area and were essential items for a daughter's dowry in earlier times. They are also used as containers for items during significant events such as worshiping deities, ancestral ceremonies, birthdays, celebrations, visiting relatives, and meeting friends, or as gifts exchanged between people.The lacquer basket has become an integral part of Minnan culture. When the Minnan people crossed the seas and reached Southeast Asia, the lacquer basket became part of the overseas Chinese culture. Many overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia who return to their hometowns always bring a few lacquer baskets back with them as a way to express their longing for home. Product FeaturesThe Eternal Spring Lacquer Basket is meticulously crafted, watertight, and unbreakable even when dropped. The lid can support over a hundred pounds when placed on the ground without any movement. The entire basket is exquisitely made and shines brightly. There are over 100 different sizes and specifications, with larger ones having multiple layers, a diameter of 42 centimeters, and…

Traditional martial arts, folk music, opera, intangible culture heritage crafts… In recent years, China has witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of traditional culture among its youth.  Data released by the country's popular video sharing platform Bilibili showed that a total of 7.45 million traditional Chinese style-themed videos were posted on the platform last year, attracting 220 million viewers. Many young content creators are enthusiastic about showcasing the traditional culture of China. Three such content creators shared their stories.  ①: Wang Xinge, a young vlogger in China, makes a replica of an ancient gold mask, based on a fragment of a gold mask unearthed at the famous Sanxingdui Ruins in southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo courtesy of Wang Xinge) ②: A replica of an ancient gold mask handmade by Wang Xinge, a young vlogger in China. (Photo courtesy of Wang Xinge) ③: Yan Hong, a Chinese vlogger known for handmaking exquisite accessories of traditional Chinese style, displays one of her works. (Photo courtesy of Yan Hong) ④: A workshop where visitors can experience filamentary silver hovering art under the guidance of veteran artisans. The workshop is operated by Yan Hong, a Chinese vlogger known for making exquisite accessories of…

Basic Introduction to Nanjing Rainflower PebblesThe Rainflower pebble is a type of natural agate, also known as a literary stone, an ornamental stone, and a lucky stone. It is mainly produced in the Lihexi area of Nanjing City and the Yuetang area of Yizheng City, making it a famous local specialty of Nanjing. Product FeaturesRainflower pebbles are renowned for their crystal-like texture, unique shapes, vibrant colors, unpredictable patterns, mysterious imagery, and the natural beauty of their scenes, establishing their unique status and value among ornamental stones. They are acclaimed as the "Gifted National Treasure" and the "Queen of Stones"! Historical FolkloreWhen asked about the origin of Rainflower pebbles, one often hears such stories: During the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, there was a high monk named Yun Guang who set up a platform in Shizigang (today's Rainflower Terrace) in Nanjing to preach the Dharma, which moved heaven itself to rain flowers that transformed into colorful Rainflower pebbles upon landing. The place where he preached became known as Rainflower Terrace. There are also numerous poems and texts scattered throughout historical records that claim Rainflower pebbles are remnants of the stones used by Nüwa to mend the heavens. For example, "Treasure…

Introduction to Jianshui Purple Pottery Jianshui Purple Pottery is a traditional folk craft from Jianshui County, Yunnan Province, originating in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. It is made using five-colored clay (red, yellow, green, brown, white) found near Jianshui, undergoing processes such as calligraphy, engraving, filling, scraping, firing, and polishing. The pottery has a deep purple color with snow-white patterns, producing a sound like stone when tapped. Among them, those with deep black embedded with white are particularly prized. The variety of Jianshui Purple Pottery is extensive, including cooking utensils, tea sets, flower pots, and display items for desks. Most designs are simple yet elegant, unique in style. When used as steamers, they can cook chicken, pigeons, and other meats exceptionally fresh. Jianshui Purple Pottery uses the locally abundant red, yellow, purple, green, and white clays. The colors are typically red with white flowers or black with white flowers, or white with red, yellow, or blue flowers. Product Features Due to the unique process of unglazed polishing, various types of purple pottery have features such as acid and alkali resistance, breathability, moisture-proofing, and heat preservation. As a result, teapots do not alter the taste of tea, and tea…

Audiences visit the "Center of the World" exhibition, which aims to trace back to the origin of Chinese civilization, focusing on Xia, Shang and Zhou, the three earliest dynasties in Chinese history and collectively referred to as the Bronze Age, held in the Hong Kong Museum of History in south China's Hong Kong, April 24, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Zhu Wei) More than 150 sets of cultural relics from 15 institutions in eight cities in central China's Henan province have been transported southward to Hong Kong and are now on display in the Hong Kong Museum of History, telling the story of Chinese civilization in this international metropolitan. HONG KONG, April 29 ( tasteallchina ) -- During her five-day study trip to central China's Henan Province last April, Chun Wai-wa marveled at the high degree of development of ancient Chinese civilization while exploring the ruins of cities dated from around 2000 years to 4000 years ago. "How can I pass on my deep feeling to the audience in Hong Kong?" pondered Chun, assistant curator of the Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMH), as she and her colleagues crafted plans for the first exhibition of the General History of China Series. One…

The 3,200-kilometer Grand Canal dates back nearly 2,500 years. It passes through eight provinces and municipalities. In 2014, 27 sections of the canal, totaling 1,011 km, and 58 relevant heritage sites gained UNESCO World Heritage status. Fact 1: Supervising shipments An "encryption system" was developed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to prevent corruption and ensure the quality of grain sent to Beijing from the south. Each "signature" on a folding fan represented an agency in charge of inspecting the cargo arriving in the capital. Signatures were also placed on the bags of grain, like seals. Supervisory officials could look at the fans to know which agency should be punished if any problems were discovered. Fact 2: Managing movement There were complicated systems and rigid regulations of shipments' time and distance. A cargo fleet usually contained 30 ships, and each fleet had its own flag. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the central government owned over 16,000 ships for transportation along the canal. Fact 3: Cultural connotations More than 400 items found along the Grand Canal have been inscribed on the list of national-level intangible cultural heritage, including folk arts, handicrafts and local beliefs. Tianjin's Yangliuqing Lunar New Year woodcut paintings are…

You Luping, an inheritor of Dunhuang color sculpture, crafts a clay figurine. ( Taste all China /Li Gen) You Luping is an inheritor of Dunhuang color sculpture, an intangible cultural heritage. Now in his twenties, he has been involved in the restoration and replication of color sculptures in the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang city and Yulin Grottoes in Jiuquan city, northwest China's Gansu Province. Driven by his passion for traditional Chinese culture, You immersed himself in the study of sculpture. After visiting the Mogao Grottoes and experiencing the allure of Dunhuang color sculpture, he became an apprentice of Du Yongwei, a renowned inheritor of this craft, and began learning the techniques. Du embarked on his artistic journey at the age of 17, enrolling as a student at the Institute of Fine Arts, the Dunhuang Academy. Du has dedicated over four decades to Dunhuang color sculpture, demonstrating an unwavering passion for his work. Du Yongwei has an interview with Taste all China . ( Taste all China /Wang Jinxue) Six years ago, Du established a training center in a village located just over 10 kilometers from the Mogao Grottoes. He turned the village into a place that offers a variety of…

Basic Introduction to Nanchong Silk Nanchong silk is one of the traditional Han Chinese silk crafts, named after its production in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province. Nanchong is located in the northeast of the Sichuan Basin and the middle reaches of the Jialing River. Its terrain is mainly hilly, with a temperate climate and abundant rainfall, making it suitable for mulberry cultivation and sericulture. It has a history of silkworm breeding and mulberry planting that spans over 3,000 years and is renowned as "a place of outstanding people and a famous silk city during the Qin and Han dynasties." In April 2005, it was awarded the title of "China's Silk Capital" by the China National Silk Association. On March 13, 2012, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine approved geographical indication product protection for Nanchong silk. Product Characteristics (1) Colored Silk: Few slubs, good consistency in luster; the surface of the fabric is clean with minimal scattering, the color is even, the hand is soft, and elasticity is good. Plain weave fabrics do not wrinkle easily. ① Twilled: Plain weave, warp and weft are un-twisted or weakly twisted, using raw silk or half-colored weaving techniques. The weave is tight,…