As a son of the representative inheritor of Dongyang Bamboo Weaving, He Hongliang has not only inherited exquisite craftsmanship and special techniques, but has also skillfully integrated these traditions into everyday orders, fueling the long-lasting popularity of bamboo weaving artworks among a more diverse range of consumers.
He Fuli in his eighties is a representative inheritor of Dongyang Bamboo Weaving rooted in Dongyang City of east China's Zhejiang Province.
Over 60 years of dedication to bamboo weaving have transformed He Fuli from a novice craftsman into a national-level bamboo weaving master.
Ever since childhood, He Fuli's two sons have been learning bamboo weaving. Now, they're the mainstays of the bamboo weaving workshop.
"During early visits to the Forbidden City, I studied the Fanhuang bamboo carving and swastika patterns, which we gradually incorporated into our products. The results were excellent," said He Hongliang, elder son of He Fuli.
In addition to the masterpiece "Miles-long Dowry," He Hongliang and his father have created round boxes and baskets symbolizing happiness.
Incorporating both Fanhuang bamboo carving and swastika patterns and motifs, these have become popular wedding gifts.
"These products are needed tomorrow for a wedding. The baskets are meant to be passed down through the generations. They feature bamboo mats with the swastika patterns, a royal motif, symbolizing health. Dongyang people used to rent these items for weddings, but now they're affluent enough to purchase and pass them down through generations. With orders flooding in, there's plenty of work to go round. With the popularity of the artworks, the preservation of the bamboo weaving craft can be guaranteed," He Hongliang said.
China's traditional bamboo weaving artworks become more popular by adding ancient glamor
China's traditional bamboo weaving artworks become more popular by adding ancient glamor
An inheritor of the age-old Tibetan Thangka art form has introduced Chinese painting and sketching techniques to the Thangka classroom as he looks to inspire the next generation, believing that innovation is the best way to carry forward tradition.
Konchoge, a seasoned artist based in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has adopted the novel approach to add a distinctive flair to his art. His works are striking in that they integrate traditional Chinese painting techniques which reinvigorate the thousand-year-old practice of Thangka.
The subject matter portrayed in Thangka paintings is diverse, ranging from recreations of Princess Wencheng's epic journey to the Xizang region during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) period, to more complex depictions such as Tibetan medical illustrations.
Konchoge explained how embracing sketching techniques helps add another dimension to the historical Thangka practice.
"When we depict animals or figures, the Thangka tradition doesn't have the method of sketching found in traditional Chinese painting. We've embraced this technique, allowing these animals and figures to spring to life, so to speak," he said.
Recognized for his artistic talent, Konchoge was once funded by the state to further his studies at the Academy of Arts and Design at the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, where he honed his skills.
Meanwhile, with the government providing annual funding to support the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, enrollment at the Xizang Academy of Thangka has been freely offered to the public since its founding in 2012, helping to preserve the tradition among a new generation of artists.
"No payment is required; moreover, we provide lunch consisting of three dishes and one soup, accompanied by butter tea and sweet tea," said Konchoge, who now works at the academy.
By integrating techniques from other traditional Chinese arts into his own, Konchoge is achieving a unique cultural fusion. Now, thanks to state support, the Xizang Academy of Thangka is introducing the glories of an enduring and evolving craft to the whole world.
"Preserving the ancient techniques is our mission; innovation is the best way to carry forward the tradition," Konchoge said.
Konchoge's story was featured in a new episode of the documentary "Yes, it's Xizang!" -- which was released by the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Thursday.
Inheritor of Tibetan Thangka inheritor embraces innovation to carry forward age-old tradition
