Stitching together the strands of culture

"This is the basic unit that is to make patterns on big filigree items, such as orchids," says Yuan, a master artist of filigree inlay.

The silver handbag covers, vases and mythical animals on his stand were notable for their intricate, stunning patterns. Everything was done by hand, including pulling the silver thread, which can be as thin as a hair. For a long time, people were unfamiliar with the art, because it used to be exclusively used by the royal families and symbolized wealth, Yuan adds.

Over the past three decades, he has ingeniously filled in that gap and carries on the craft. His work has been given as diplomatic gifts, and has shown the world the charm of this traditional craft.

"Of course, it also requires welding, which I couldn't demonstrate due to the venue, but the part I showed should give the audience a good taste of what it entails," Yuan says.

He considers arts and crafts the wisdom of workers, as well as a practical system. Such public displays help people appreciate the soul of culture, craftsmanship, and increase culture confidence, he says.

A dozen meters away, jewelry and lunchboxes decorated with patterns of landscapes, birds and butterflies glittered on the gold lacquer inlay stand.

"If you look closely enough, you can see the mountain is actually made of gold foil," Shi Yanling, an inheritor of gold lacquer inlay, explains. Then, natural black lacquer is applied to create veins of the mountain, she adds.