Shandong's Juye revives traditional Chinese culture through moon-shaped fans

In Shandong's Juye county, the exquisite beauty of traditional Chinese culture shines through the creative art of moon-shaped fan painting. Students at the vocational art class were recently captivated by Wang Ruiying's masterpiece featuring lifelike peony patterns on a moon-shaped fan, deepening their appreciation for China's rich culture.

Moon-shaped fans, treasures of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, embody millennia of culture and history. With round or nearly round frames, precious materials like bamboo or bone for handles, and luxurious silk fabrics like satin and brocade for the fan surface, each fan is a labor of love, symbolizing themes of reunion, kindness, and good fortune.

Wang, a dedicated fan artist, has creatively integrated peony motifs, particularly from Heze and Juye gongbi (a refined, realistic style) peony paintings, into her fan designs. Her creations, such as "Blooming Splendor" and "National Fragrance", have become sought-after cultural products, representing Juye's traditional heritage.

Through fan art, students like Duan Chenxin have discovered the charm of Chinese tradition, deepening their understanding and commitment to preserving and promoting it. Wang hopes to introduce more young people to the art form, emphasizing its artistic value and the importance of passing down this cultural legacy to future generations, revitalizing moon-shaped fan painting in the modern era. (Edited by Xie Zhenzhen)

Moon-shaped fans, treasures of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, embody millennia of culture and history. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]