Extraordinary feelings arise when you watch the glassware maker, a middle-aged woman, twist and melt pieces of coloured glass into a miniature green-leaf vegetable, through the cool, blue flame of her blowtorch. However, this delicate and magical process has been hit by a dwindling market for years. Glassware has really not been in vogue for some time. But as the centre bluntly points out, it needs to be, otherwise it will be lost. This woman is a rare practitioner of the craft in China. The tradition of making glassware by hand is actually endangered.

Elsewhere, less altruistic feelings come from the overwhelming joy of watching a carpet being made on a hand-knotting loom. While not so endangered, this craft has about it the intimacy of things homespun; many children learn in early age how to make something not unlike a carpet out of cardboard and coloured wool. A carpet loom though requires more patience than a five or six year old has and the value of these carpets is determined by how many knots of wool are tied per square inch. It's a valid measure of the incredible hard work handmade carpets require.

At this remarkable centre, you encounter model makers, tapestry artists, cloisonn¨¦ (please see next page for detailed introduction) and silk-figurine masters. There are people working on lacquer and goldleaf screens, many inlaid with semi-precious stones. There are lacquer-carving artists working on wood and copper, meticulously revealing exquisite art forms and fabulous shades of red on tiny boxes, cabinets and huge vases. It's extraordinary to be able to see these exquisite creations take shape in front of your eyes.

As a base for the protection of traditional Chinese craft, Baigongfang provides a unique opportunity to experience Chinese art culture in a way that has largely remained unchanged for generations. While adapting to attract the interests of the young, like the work of the fist calligrapher that received plenty of media attention, the emphasis is on preserving traditional technique, with traditional form often meeting contemporary tastes.

Baigongfang's aim is to overcome a period of uncertainty for the craft practitioner. The effort of making a visit to this inspirational space is well rewarded for all lovers of art and craft.

Baigongfang
Add: 12 B Guangming Lu, Chongwen District
Tel: 010-67182822/67126612
Open: from 9:30am to 4:30pm

1

2