Small colored eggs gain big market share

In a small studio in Juye county in East China's Shandong province, 69-year-old master painter Gao Guanling meticulously applies colors to eggshells – creating intricate and exquisite peony patterns.

This traditional handicraft, known as "colored eggs," has a long history in Juye county and has gained popularity both domestically and internationally.

An example of a colored egg goes on show in Juye county. [Photo by Xiao Shouxiang for chinadaily.com.cn]

The process involves extracting the egg white, sanitizing the shell and using traditional techniques to create three-dimensional patterns.

Initially, colored eggs were primarily exported to countries like the United States, Canada and New Zealand as Christmas decorations.

However, with the increasing demand for more advanced artistic styles, the industry faced challenges. To revive this traditional craft and support its development, Juye county established grassroots art academies – offering free training in colored egg painting alongside traditional brushwork.

In recent years, there has been a bold exploration and innovation in this art form, merging historical and cultural elements with the techniques of traditional brushwork. 

With the introduction of peony motifs, the paintings on colored eggs have become even more rich and layered, transforming simple eggshells into collectible works of art.

The sales model has also evolved, expanding from a focus on exports to both online and offline sales in both domestic and international markets. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)