Archive for category Chinese Arts & Crafts
Tibetan Knives
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Arts & Crafts on June 30, 2011
Tibetan knives are carried by most Tibetans, male and female. It plays an important role in daily life. They act as indispensable tool for Tibetan people to defend themselves or cut meat when they are eating. They are also designed for decoration, just having the same functions as necklaces and rings.
According to the lengths, the knives can be classified into three types, namely long, short and small knives. The long knives can be more than 1 meter, while the short and small ones are about 40cm and 10cm respectively. Read the rest of this entry »
Sugar Painting
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Arts & Crafts on April 2, 2011
The sugar painting, also called inverse sugar figure or sugar light figure, is a traditional folk art form in China.
The sugar painting has a history of more than 400 years which can date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). It is said that it originated from the sugar prim minister. Read the rest of this entry »
Paperweight
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Arts & Crafts on December 28, 2010
Paperweight, also called zhen zhi in Chinese, is an equipment in sanctum used to press paper. Ancient Chinese were fond of using brushes and large pieces of paper, therefore, paperweight was one of the necessary objects in sanctum as it can prevent the moving of the paper caused by the writer and also prevent wind from blowing the paper away.
It has a long history in China which can date back to the birth date of paper. It can be made from lots of materials, including wood, bamboo, jade, bronze, stone,etc. Also, it comes in a wide variety of shapes as well as colors. Read the rest of this entry »
Chinese Puppetry
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Arts & Crafts on October 17, 2010
Chinese puppetry, also called “Kuileixi”, is one of the earliest performing arts in China. It is also regarded as the world heritage treasure.
The history of Chinese puppetry can date back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC- 221BC). It became popular and widely spread in Tang Dynasty (618～907) and reached its height during Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368~1911).
The puppetry can be divided into three categories: the Marionette or String Puppet (the puppeteers use strings to control all kinds of puppets), the Glove or Hand Puppet (these puppets are controlled by one hand) and Shadow Play (also called “piyingxi” in Chinese). Read the rest of this entry »
Storytelling
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Arts & Crafts on September 28, 2010
Storytelling, also called “Pingshu” in Chinese, is a kind of performing oral art. It is very popular in Northern China.
Its history can date back to the period of Western Zhou Dynasty (BC770~256BC). However, the earliest form of storytelling which was called speaking appeared in the Tang Dynasty (618～907). During the period of Qing Dynasty (1636~1911), it became an independent art form. It also had a deep influence on the novels of Ming and Qing dynasties, such as Romance of Three Kingdoms, etc.
The storyteller always wears a gown and stand behind a table, holding a folded fan and in one hand and a gavel (to draw audience’s attention and enhance the effects of the performances) in another.
Storytellers usually talk in standard Chinese. The content of the storytelling is mainly about the stories of heroes. However, storyteller is the only role in this art form. They act both the author and the actors. In order to attract the audiences’ attention, they often not only use some skills (such as leaving lots of suspense), but also perform with exaggerated facial expressions and stentorian voices.
The content of storytelling reflects the thought, ideals and moral aspirations of Chinese people. It is also a unique chance to get knowledge in ancient times. Nowadays, storytelling is divided into several factions, such as Beijing Style storytelling, Tianjin Style storytelling, Sichuan Style storytelling, etc.
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