Jiangsu’s intangible cultural heritage shines at Beijing exhibition

2022-10-08 16:07:00

Jiangsu has displayed its national-level intangible cultural heritage items at an exhibition themed "Forging Ahead in the New Era" at Beijing Exhibition Center, such as Xuzhou scented sachets, Suzhou Song Brocade, Yixing purple clay teapot and Yangzhou jade sculpture.

Visitors at Jiangsu exhibition zone. Photo/Jiang Wenchao

The Jiangsu exhibition zone attracted many tourists on October 6. In a glass cabinet, sachets made in Xuzhou’s Mazhuang village were arranged in the shape of Chinese character of Fu (富), which stands for wealth. Amid provincewide efforts to promote rural vitalization strategy, Mazhuang has given priority to development of its traditional craft, with an output value of 8 million yuan last year and a workforce of more than 3,000 people.

The village has also introduced new products with more functions or fresh designs. Some farmers used livestreaming e-commerce to sell their offerings too. The traditional craft and the associated tourism play important roles in improving local people’s income.

Sachets made in Xuzhou’s Mazhuang village are on display in Beijing. Photo/Jiang Wenchao

In recent years, Jiangsu has also supported innovative development of intangible cultural heritage in everyday life. One example of such efforts is the use of Suzhou Song brocade, a kind of brocade developed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and known for its bright color, exquisite patterns, and soft texture. It has been acknowledged as one of the four types of celebrated brocade in China, together with Yun Brocade of Nanjing, Shu Brocade of Sichuan and Zhuang Brocade in Guangxi.

Nowadays, more products feature Suzhou Song Brocade, such as the handbag on display. The uniforms worn by the guides at the exhibition zone are also made of this beautiful brocade, which appears to be elegant and graceful, in harmony with the charm of Jiangnan, south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

A purse made with Suzhou Song Brocade. Photo/Jiang Wenchao

The Yangzhou jade sculpture Green Water and Hills combines the natural shape, color and texture of the hard stone with a variety of techniques to make an impressive art creation.

In the exhibition, Huishan clay figurines titled Joyful show people’s happy life. In the shape of a granary, a Yixing purple clay teapot highlights the Chinese character of Feng, meaning bumper harvest, to reflect progress of vitalization in the countryside.

Visitors had high praises of displays from Jiangsu. Xu Ke, a university student, said that he feels grateful to realize the great achievements China has made through the exhibition.