Hunan heritage crafts celebrated at fair

Editor:李莎宁
Source:长沙市政府门户
Updated:2017-01-09 11:15:24

A traditional handicrafts fair was held over the New Year at the Hunan Dalu Treasure Antique Town in Changsha, celebrating the very finest in Hunan heritage and handicraft culture.

　　The inaugural handicraft fair seeks to keep alive, cherish and promote the diverse range of local Hunan heritages, many of which date back more than a thousand years.

　　The four-day fair was attended by 54 different exhibitors, each adept at a particular intangible cultural heritage, and whose wares were put on display for purchase by the public. Other activities held from Dec 30 to Jan 2 involved special exhibitions detailing the techniques of particular handicrafts passed down from generation to generation, a photography exhibition, and a fashion show.

　　A fashion show integrating elements of intangible cultural heritages takes place at the 2017 New Year Traditional Handicrafts Fair in Changsha on Dec 30. [Photo/Hunan Daily]

　　Xiang embroidery, originating from Hunan province, proved a crowd favorite, attracting much interest and taking in many sales. The embroidery, made of pure silk, satin, or nylon, is considered one of the four great embroidery styles of China and has been practiced in the province for more than 2,300 years.

　　The brocade weaved by the Tujia, one of China's 56 ethnic groups, was also popular, as well as pottery from Hunan province's famous Tongguan kiln.

Craftsman shows the skill of making brocade at the fair. [Photo/Hunan Daily]

　　During the fair, an online e-commerce platform was launch for the promotion and sale of heritage handicrafts from Hunan. Feiyibao will allow producers and inheritors of these cherished historical crafts to gain better access to the domestic market and help to keep the traditions alive by revealing them to a wider audience of potential buyers.

　　The photography exhibition focused on preserving the plight of many of the handicraft heritages that are sadly dwindling today, and encouraging younger generations to take a greater interest and even get involved in inheriting the crafts.

　　"Intangible cultural heritages are treasures of our country," said a visitor to the fair. "This event shows and rejoices in the long history and creativity of Hunan province."