Chinese traditional arts and crafts exhibition opens in Valletta

An exhibition showcasing Chinese traditional arts and crafts opened in Malta on Tuesday.

During the month-long exhibition titled Craftsmanship-Chinese Traditional Arts and Crafts Exhibition, four Chinese arts masters are invited to exhibit their works at the Chinese Cultural Center in Malta.

The artists and craftsmen displayed artworks with a long history in China, namely filigree inlay, carved lacquer, ceramics and purple clayware.

Yang Xiaolong, the director of the Chinese Cultural Center, said the exhibition will serve to explore traditional craftsmanship, and share the "craftsmanship spirit" of contemporary arts and crafts.

Melanie Ciantar Harrington, a representative from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office within the Culture Directorate, Ministry for Culture in Malta, explained that Malta ratified the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in March 2017.

"We want to follow your journey of safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage," Ciantar said, adding that China can serve as a model example to Malta in this regard.

Twenty-eight art crafts works were displayed at this exhibition, attracting some artists and visitors. Meanwhile, Master Miao Lin demonstrated the art of filigree and answered questions about this traditional art.

The exhibition which is organised by the Chinese Cultural Center and the Network of International Culturalink Entities, is scheduled to run until July 31.