Chinese craftsmanship on show in London

The annual London Craft Week has wrapped up for another year after hosting more than 200 local and international events and exhibits spread out across the capital city.

Among the exhibits from artists and galleries were displays of Asian crafts from China, South Korea and Japan in what was the fifth edition of the five-day event, which concluded on Sunday.

Back for its second year at London Craft Week was the Amazing China exhibition, which presented Chinese craftsmanship at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden.

The handcrafted creations displayed included Chinese-style clothing, embroidery, ceramics and clay figurines.

Visitors also explored Chinese talent and creativity in craftwork such as Blanc de Chine (also known as Dehua porcelain), filigree and lacquer.

At the opening ceremony on Friday, Yu Peng, minister counsellor of cultural affairs with the Chinese embassy in London, said that the Amazing China exhibit showcased "the achievement of the restoration of Chinese traditional craftsmanship".

He added, "The Chinese government has paid great attention to protecting and developing traditional craftsmanship and encouraging traditional craftsmanship to be applied in modern society, and a lot of the art work on display are great examples of this achievement."

Yu said the event will help enhance collaboration between the craft industries in China and the UK.

Guy Salter, chairman of London Craft Week, said the UK and China have a long history and culture, and all attach great importance to the protection of traditional skills.

Visitors were also given the opportunity to take part in workshops with award-winning sculptor Pan Youlong, who hosted a clay workshop and Moira Mu, who presented a workshop on the ancient technique of movable-type printing, an invention from China.

The Amazing China exhibition was organized by the National Base for International Cultural Trade (Shanghai), which was established as the country's first base in this region in 2011 under the authorisation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China.

Situated in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, it offers comprehensive services for cultural trade, including international trade fairs, purchases and settlements, import and export agency, policy study and professional training, as well as warehousing for bonded goods.