China is a beautiful country, full of creative men and women using their artistic talents to produce one-of-a-kind art pieces that showcase the cultural heritage of their homeland. The artisans of China make handmade pieces embodying thousands of years of traditions passed down from previous generations. Let us discover some of the most famous Chinese arts and crafts here.
Embroidery
Embroidery is one of the oldest forms of arts and crafts of China, dating back to the Shang Dynasty. Seen originally only on the emperor’s clothes, commoners began using the craft to bring the beauty of the Chinese countryside to their plain clothing. You can see the region’s influence in each piece of embroidery, in the unique patterns and colorful designs. Also used to decorate religious garments, you commonly see popular figures like ducks, cherry blossoms, and pandas brought to life with the magnificent colors and intricate patterns that only expert artisans can produce.
Folk Toys
Chinese folk toys have long been a traditional gift used for millennia to express Chinese heritage. Chinese folk toys are more than a child’s playthings and are used to promote their religious beliefs, mirror the tastes and customs of a region, and celebrate festivals. The bright colors and unique outfits portray the toy’s region, making each one a true work of art. You can see the influence of festivals in the colorful flowers and fragrant herbs that the artisans of China use in their construction.
Kites
The artisans of China have used their creativity to create kites that are beautiful works of art since the Wars of the Spring and Autumn Period, 770 BC to 476 BC. Each kite is hand-made to reflect the taste of its creator, resulting in an endless variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The influence of nature is evident in the many animal designs like coy fish, birds, and bears. Making a kite is a delicate process involving strips of bamboo for the frame and using a sturdy but lightweight paper masterfully attached to the frame to ensure flight. Every kite is as unique as it is stunning, and you can often see them fill the skies in celebration during festivals and special events.
Paper Cutting
Papercutting dates back to the 6th century, when women used them to adorn their hair, and men used them for sacred rituals. Using scissors or an engraving knife, simple or complex patterns are cut using a technique called chien-chih and used as decorations for weddings, festivals, or just around the house. Sophisticated designs take expert artisans many months to complete. The artisans of China usually use a very thin red paper for creating traditional designs. Nature is the primary influence in many cuttings since the Chinese cherish its beauty, and children often make plants and animals to give their parents as gifts during the Chinese New Year.
China is home to millions of artisans, using their skills to create stunning works of art that reflect the beauty of Chinese culture. Each one of these crafts is uniquely Chinese and made with care, resulting in pieces that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. At Tuzmo, we match tourists and travelers with authentic Chinese artisans, allowing you to connect and support them while bringing home mementos that tell a fascinating story.
