A tradition as light as a feather

She quit her job and spent over a year, on and off, learning the exquisite craftsmanship. Apart from the knowledge required, her hands had to be as steady as a surgeon's.

Different kingfisher feathers have different colors. Before "dipping", the color of the base and the feather needs to be well matched.

In her view, eyes have to be particularly sensitive to the contrast of colors to distinguish the differences, which are often almost imperceptible.

The most time-consuming step, however, is the actual "dipping of blue".

This is where the kingfisher feathers, after being cut into small pieces, are inlaid into the metal plate, Xiao Yumei explains, and the process is like embroidery as the tiny pieces of feather must be pasted subtly according to the edges of the decorative and lace-like filigree metal.

"Artisans precisely fit the feathers of a bright blue color into the surfaces of the metallic accessories. The accessories look very attractive when the feather pieces are fitted perfectly," she says.

Under beams of different light, colors of the feather vary, shining with every hue.

"The color of kingfisher is unique," says Xiao Yumei.

In ancient times, the color was considered a symbol of power and status, and was used by the royal family and nobility.

"They believed that hair accessories in the color could help them communicate directly with the gods, as the kingfisher was considered a swift messenger," she explains.

Conservation and wildlife protection concerns are having an impact. "I haven't done dipping much since the beginning of this year," says Xiao Yumei.

"Sometimes, I use goose feathers, which are dyed blue, to apply onto the golden plates."

Her husband, Liu Yingchun, says that she used to be engaged in the craft all day long but now she is writing a book to introduce the skill of diancui.

Xiao Yumei has also been to school campuses and exhibitions recently, in an effort to introduce the traditional handicraft to more people.

"I hope that the craft can be passed on, and last forever, in whatever way, no matter the material," she says.