On the afternoon of July 20, 2023, the thematic event "Chang'an Elegant Gathering: The Past and Present of Beijing Silk Figurines" was held with success at the Cultural Space of Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchanges Center (BOCEC). Through the exhibition "The Past and Present of Beijing Silk Figurines" and the cultural experience of the intangible cultural heritage technique of "weaving iron wires to create decorative patterns", the event showcased the cultural heritage of Beijing Silk Figurines "Tang Wa Wa", in a bid to tell the story of Chinese culture and spread the voice of China through the "Chinese Barbie".
The event invited Tang Yan, Inheritor of Beijing Intangible Cultural Heritage "Silk Figurines" and Beijing Master of Arts and Crafts, to present the unique charm of Beijing Silk Figurines "Tang Wa Wa" to the guests present at the event. Through the event, the guests gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultural significance of these figurines. The event was hosted by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchanges Center and moderated by Liu Jia, the chief director of "Tea in China". Distinguished guests such as Zhang Guanzi, Dean of the Institute of Information Studies, CASS, Edmond Laci from Albania, and other guests attended the event. The event was livestreamed on platforms including yangshipin.cn, china.com.cn, and BRTV, the viewers of the live broadcast reached nearly 600,000.
Exploring the past and present of Beijing Silk Figurines to learn about the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese craftsmanship
With a history of over 1000 years, Beijing Silk Figurines represent a unique traditional folk art in Beijing. They were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, and the fifth batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage list. The figurines draw inspiration from classical Chinese literature, traditional opera, and historical figures. They are meticulously crafted through specialized design and multiple production processes. Tang Yan, the inheritor of this intangible cultural heritage, innovatively designed the derivative product "Tang Wa Wa", which is known as the "Chinese Barbie". These figurines boast exquisite craftsmanship, lifelike appearance, and a profound Chinese cultural style. They have been presented as national gifts and souvenirs and Beijing Gifts to international guests on multiple occasions, vividly telling the fascinating stories about China to the world.
During the event, Tang Yan introduced the origins and craftsmanship of traditional silk figurines, the historical inheritance of Beijing Silk Figurines, the inheritance and innovation of "Tang Wa Wa", and the market-oriented operation models for the intangible cultural heritage. Tang Yan said that "Tang Wa Wa" remains rooted in the core techniques of Beijing Silk Figurines while breaking free from the traditional themes in its design. The enhanced silk figurines feature facial and hand details meticulously crafted from special gypsum, evoking the delicate beauty of porcelain, with exquisite contours and lively expressions that bring them to life. By combining hand-painted techniques with computer-assisted production, efficiency in handcrafting has been improved. The refinement of various craftsmanship techniques has broadened the scope of creative themes, and simplified the production processes, making it a culturally significant and meaningful creation, and bringing the beauty of traditional art into the lives of many.
Experiencing the craftsmanship and artisan spirit embodied by the technique of "weaving iron wires to create decorative patterns"
"Weaving iron wires to create decorative patterns" is an essential technique used to create headwear and accessories for Beijing Silk Figurines. Originally evolved from the decorative artistry of simulating courtly goldwork known as "wire inlay", this method involves intricately twisting and combining specially designed iron wires into small circles, which are then assembled, bended, and adorned with bead strings and gemstones. The exquisite and splendid results can rival the decorative effects of wire inlay. Tang Yan ingeniously incorporated this purely manual technique into the creation of the improved Beijing Silk Figurines, preserving their elegance and charm.
Tang Yan took the guests on a journey to experience the art of "weaving iron wires to create decorative patterns" in crafting the Beijing Silk Figurines "Tang Wa Wa". The participants created their own exquisite brooches, rings, bracelets, among other ornaments with the technique. They said that this hands-on experience provided a moment of tranquility amid their busy lives, immersing them in the enchanting realm of art and relieving their minds and bodies. Additionally, they genuinely appreciated the unique charm and artistic value of intangible cultural heritage, as well as the crucial mission and artisan spirit carried by its inheritors.
"Chinese Barbie" Tang Wa Wa introduces the world to the distinctive Chinese intangible cultural heritage
During the course of cultural exchange and mutual learning, cultural heritage offers a ceremonial testimony and narrative. While tangible cultural heritage offers glimpses of physical places and scenes, intangible cultural heritage unveils the lives of real people, objects, events, and the invaluable oral and experiential knowledge passed down through generations. The "Chinese Barbie" Tang Wa Wa, as a prominent cultural brand, continues to play an important role in promoting cultural preservation and progress.
The inheritance of China's intangible cultural heritage is an integral part of global cultural communication. Empowered by brand effect, Chinese culture is poised to witness enhanced protection, inheritance, and development. It will radiate with newfound vigor and vitality on the international stage, inviting the world to delve into the uniqueness of China.
The signature project "Chang'an Elegant Gathering", launched by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchanges Center, is committed to showcasing the unique charm and capability for innovation of traditional Chinese culture in the contemporary world, through an immersive experience of Chinese literati's life aesthetics. The present event "Chang'an Elegant Gathering: The Past and Present of Beijing Silk Figurines" offers a new platform for promoting traditional Chinese culture, contributing to further opening up the tourism product market and expanding the cultural and creative industries, while bringing opportunities for Chinese-style brands to go global.
