An ongoing exhibition at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, The Marvels of Craftsmanship, showcases imperial crafts and pays tribute to the city's cultural legacy.
The focus is on Beijing's Eight Imperial Handicrafts, or yanjing bajue, namely gold lacquer inlay, filigree inlaid metal art, cloisonne, jade carving, ivory carving, carved lacquerware, Beijing embroidery and palace carpets. Yanjing is one of the old names of Beijing.
Each craft not only reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of its time but is also a testament to the superb craftsmanship that defines Beijing's cultural landscape.
These eight forms of traditional craftsmanship have been included on the list of national intangible cultural heritage.
Organized by the Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts Museum and the Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts Association, some 100 pieces by more than 50 artists and national intangible cultural heritage inheritors are being exhibited at the show, which runs until Aug 4.
"The pieces on display are fine samples of Beijing's rich cultural heritage. They bear the cultural lineage of this ancient city. We want to invite visitors on a journey of exploration and discovery through these valuable artworks," says Bai Qun, director of the museum and head of the association.
