Heritage shines through precious metal threads

Li Changyi, a 72-year-old master of the Chinese art of metallic filigree inlays, wants to pass on the cultural intangible heritage to the next generation.

Li, who was born into a silversmith's family in Chongqing's Shapingba district in 1949, showed strong interest in the craft as a child. Now he has a longer perspective.

"I have to do my best even though I am old," Li said.

The self-taught painter and former fitter in a ship repair factory was recruited at age 22 as a craftsman by Chongqing Metal Art and Craft Co, which sent him to study for a year in the department of arts and crafts at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. That's what launched him on his life's journey of excellence.

An intricate form of metalwork often found on jewelry, Chinese filigree inlays involve the use of twisted threads of gold, silver and copper, woven as a structure onto which jade and precious gems are mounted. The art takes various forms.

Li suffered a lot as he learned the craft. His hands became rough and tough from the daily work of forging and rubbing the metals. Even so, he found pleasure in the tedious work.