Cocoon of creativity

"I think sericulture has made a strong presence as more people have bought my works and I have been invited to give lectures or exchange notes with people from other fields," he says.

Speaking about sericulture protection and inheritance, Chen says participation is the key.

He has visited communities, schools and rural areas to engage the public in developing cocoon paintings.

Chen has developed special kits that enable adults and children to make their own cocoon art for fun. He also translated lyrics of ancient songs about silkworms into plain words for the public to better understand the history of sericulture.

In Taoyuan, Tongxiang, Chen has helped integrate rural tourism and culture since 2020. The village is known for growing a type of plums called zuili, and Chen's cocoon art has brought more visitors to appreciate what the place has to offer.

A museum for cocoon art was set up in 2020, where Chen offers visitors interactive experiences.

"More students on learning tours have visited our village since the museum opened," says Ling Feng, an official in Taoyuan village.

"Their parents also come along," he says, adding that the combination of cocoon art and plums has given the rural economy a boost.

Chen calls for more joint efforts among governments, enterprises and artists in preserving sericulture.

"Not just cultural and creative items, mulberry wine, tea and even facial masks can be developed from sericulture," he says.

Chen says he will also do more to popularize traditional culture.

"I have noticed that international guests are more ready to take in our folk culture through interactions with it themselves," he says.