Shandong artisan's birdcages honor traditional craftsmanship

In a small rural courtyard in Shuwangzhuang village – nestling in Juye county, in East China's Shandong province – 86-year-old artisan Hou Xuewen meticulously makes birdcages, reflecting his dedication to traditional craftsmanship.

A bird feeds on seeds in an exquisite birdcage made by Hou Xuewen. [Photo by Xiao shouxiang for chinadaily.com.cn]

Hou says each birdcage consists of a raft of components, such as the frame, rings, bars, door, grip and hook.

With dozens of painstaking steps – from materials selection to final assembly – the craftsmanship demands of its maker precision, symmetry, beauty and durability that mechanized production just can't match. 

Over the past 50 years, Hou has overseen every step, resulting in exquisite, durable and high-quality birdcages.

Using aged bamboo for its flexibility and density, he carefully saws the bamboo into strips, peels them and smooths all four sides. The style and specifications of the birdcages vary, based on bird types and customer preferences.

Hou's birdcages have gained in popularity and admiration. Through online platforms, his work has attracted attention, making him something of an internet sensation. 

As a result, his birdcages are now sold nationwide and are even collected as decorative items.

As a traditional craft passed down through the generations, handmade birdcages have a history stretching back hundreds of years. 

Nowadays, Hou is delighted to see more and more people appreciating his passion. He hopes to pass on his craft, garnering love and recognition – enabling it to shine brightly in the centuries to come. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)