Crystal Chinese Liuli
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The production tools of Beijing Liuli artwork are quite simple. With the improvement of technology the heating facility evolves from charcoal to balm light, and then becomes gas blowtorch.
Beijing, as the capital city of dynasties, has gathered craftsmen throughout the country, and also is the major production area of Liuli artwork. After hundreds years of development, there are more than one thousand types of Liuli artwork raging from Liuli animals to Liuli accessories, among which more than 95% are applied for exportation and tourism, gaining plenty of foreign exchange every year from Europe, America and Asia.
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| Liuli Pumpkin, modern craftwork |
Chinese Liuli artwork is more than just a craftwork. It also contains philosophical and religious connotation. Glassware is the embodiment of personality, spirit and mental health.
Liuli artwork is among many of the traditional Chinese handicrafts, and it has more than 600 years of history. It can also be found on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The making of the traditional Liuli involves puttingsilicon, acid, salt and metal oxide together and bringing it up to a high temperature until it starts to melt into the shape of a stick, then different colors of sticks are put together to burn in the fire. Then it is carved into shape as soon as it gets soft. Thus it is also called fiery sculpture.
A good Liuli artwork has everything to do with the artist's experience and skill because of the speed required to make something in the fire. We met Xing Lanxiang, China's most distinguished Liuli handicraft master, at the Beijing handicraft workshop.
Xing Lanxiang, master of glass art: I have been in this field since 1962, it has been 48 years now, almost half a century. I enjoy doing it. Whatever you want, whatever you like, I can achieve it out of tweezers.
The sufficient experience and the necessary skills as well as creativity all represent the rich Chinese culture. The elements that Liuli captures are aurum, cuprum, iron, so it appears in extremely vivid colors. The fact that it was quickly sculpted in the fire makes it more precious.
Xing Lanxiang, master of glass art: Now I am old. I don't want this art form to die, and that's why I am asking my two sons to resign and learn how to do this from me.
Xing Lanxiang's two sons, Liu Yu and Liu Xing, are doing creative and managing work at the Beijing Baigongfang handcraft workshop, where many people go just to see their mother’s works.
Liu Yu, Xing Lanxiang's sons: It's my responsibility to pass on this ancient art form.
Camera: Sun Peng & Cong Fangjun
Editor: Cong Fangjun
Translation: Cao Huan
Voice over: Huang Lan
