Aqi. Duzhi – Inheritor of Mosuo Textile Craft in Ninglang County, Lijiang
丽江市宁蒗县永宁乡摩梭人纺织技艺传承人 – 阿其•独芝
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3279.html
Zhang Xinfeng – Inheritor of Copper Wares-making Skill in Yongsheng County, Lijiang
丽江市永胜县金官镇铜器制作技艺传承人 – 张心凤
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3280.html
Tan Zhiping is from Jin Guan Village, San Chuan Town, Yong Sheng County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province (丽江市永胜县三川镇金官村). As the fourth-generation inheritor of the “Tan Family Silversmith” (谭记银匠) and a representative inheritor of the Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage “Silver-based Cloisonné” (银胎掐丝珐琅) craftsmanship, Tan Zhiping plays a pivotal role in the inheritance of this traditional craft. In June 2021, the “Silver-based Cloisonné Craftsmanship (Yong Sheng Enamel Silverware Craftsmanship)” (银胎掐丝珐琅器制作技艺（永胜珐琅银器制作技艺）) was listed in the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative projects, and Tan Zhiping is a key figure in its transmission.
Growing up in a family of silversmiths, Tan Zhiping was immersed in the atmosphere of silverware making from a young age. At the age of 14, he began to learn the craft of enamel silverware from his grandfather Tan Chongjin (谭崇径), uncle Tan Jicheng (谭继成), and father Tan Jikang (谭继康). Over the years, through his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of traditional craftsmanship, he has honed his skills to perfection.
Innovation and Legacy
Building on the foundation of traditional craftsmanship, Tan Zhiping has actively engaged in innovation. He has successfully developed over 20 unique new products, including multi-shaped hundred-family locks, silver Buddhas, dragon-head pots, phoenix-head pots, peony flower pots, and new-style wine sets. His works are not only highly praised in the domestic market, with sales in cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai, but also have been exported to countries such as Myanmar and India.
The enamel silverware craftsmanship of Yong Sheng has a long history. Introduced to Yong Sheng County during the Yuan Dynasty, it has integrated cultural elements of Bai, Naxi, Tibetan, Yi, and other ethnic groups, giving it a distinct regional character. This craft combines silverware making and cloisonné techniques, employing traditional methods such as hammering, striking, riveting, plating, forging, chiseling, and inlaying. The main processes include melting silver, casting, pressing, shaping, welding, drawing wires, filigree, enameling, firing, cleaning, inspection, and packaging. Among them, filigree, enamel application, and firing are the core and highly challenging techniques. The finished cloisonné silverware is elegant in shape, following the tradition of “every picture has a meaning, and every meaning is auspicious,” with strong three-dimensionality, vibrant colors, and exquisite forms. It is a popular local specialty in Yunnan, often used for weddings, funerals, gifts, and for collection and appreciation. Tan Zhiping has mastered the essence of this craft, perfectly integrating silver filigree and cloisonné enamel techniques to showcase its high artistic value and profound cultural significance.
Tan Zhiping has received numerous honors for his exceptional skills and contributions. He has been awarded the titles of Yunnan Skill Master and Yunnan Metal Craftsman. His works have repeatedly won awards in national and provincial competitions. For example, his “Eight Treasures Cloisonné Tea Set” won the Gold Award at the Sixth Yunnan Provincial Arts and Crafts “Work Beauty Cup.” He also received the “Outstanding Inheritor Display Award” at the Third China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo.
Passing on the Craft
Aware of the importance of inheritance, Tan Zhiping has actively engaged in training the next generation of craftsmen through school-enterprise cooperation and teaching. He is not only an outstanding craftsman but also a dedicated guardian and promoter of intangible cultural heritage. Thanks to his efforts, the traditional craft of Yong Sheng enamel silverware has been revitalized in modern society, shining with new vitality and vigor.
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3281.html
Dao Ganxiang – Inheritor of Dai Traditional Culture in Luxi City, Dehong
德宏州潞西市遮放镇傣族传统文化传承人 – 刀干相
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3241.html
Le Paidang – Priest of Jingpo Sacrificial Activities in Longchuan County, Dehong
德宏州陇川县陇把镇景颇族祭祀活动的主持人 – 勒排当
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3242.html
Han Gan – Host of Dai Traditional Ceremonies in Ruili City, Dehong
德宏州瑞丽市姐相乡傣族传统礼仪活动主持人 – 干喊
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3243.html
Early Life and Education
Gao Zhiyong (高志永), a male member of the Han ethnic group, was born in October 1973 in Huihui Village (回辉村), Kuangyuan Town (匡远镇), Yiliang County (宜良县), Kunming, Yunnan Province. His early exposure to art began in 1989 when he enrolled in Yunnan Arts University to study fine arts, laying a solid foundation for his future work in wood carving.
In 1995, Gao furthered his artistic studies by attending the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, where he specialized in sculpture. During this time, he frequently visited Shitouzhai (石头寨) in Guizhou to learn the traditional craft of making Nuo opera masks, which would later influence his work in carving.
Establishing His Artistic Career
After completing his studies in 1996, Gao returned to his hometown in Yiliang and founded the Hong Gaoyuan Art Company (红高原艺术公司). That same year, he completed a monumental 41-meter-long mural depicting the 26 ethnic groups of Yunnan for the famous Tan Hua Temple (昙华寺) in Kunming.
In 1998, Gao’s large-scale wood carving works, such as Dragon and Phoenix Presenting Auspiciousness Vase (龙凤呈祥瓶) and Nine Dragons Screen (九龙屏), were collected by relevant authorities. These pieces, along with later works, gained international recognition, contributing to Gao’s growing reputation. His achievements have been covered by local media outlets such as Yunnan Daily (云南日报), Spring City Evening News (春城晚报), and Yiliang County Television.
Artistic Achievements
Gao Zhiyong has created a large number of traditional sculptures, including representations of Buddha, dragons, and phoenixes, as well as monumental works like Zheng He’s Voyages to the Western Seas (郑和下西洋). His works have received widespread praise for their detailed craftsmanship and artistic expression. His deep knowledge of various art forms and his ability to integrate traditional Chinese artistic techniques have allowed his creations to reflect the rich heritage of the Chinese people. His works are highly valued for their unique style and artistic quality.
Gao is a folk artist rooted in grassroots culture, combining an extensive understanding of different art forms with a deep connection to traditional craftsmanship. His wood carving works are welcomed and appreciated by society, gaining recognition both domestically and internationally.
Legacy and Impact
Gao Zhiyong’s impact extends beyond his impressive body of work; he has also helped to promote and preserve the traditional art of wood carving. His contributions to the local culture and the broader art world continue to resonate today, making him a key figure in the modern artistic community of Yiliang County and Kunming.
Through his skill and dedication, Gao has contributed to the evolution of Chinese wood carving, blending traditional methods with contemporary artistic vision, ensuring the continued relevance and appreciation of this ancient craft.
Early Life and Training
Yang Hanfen (杨汉芬), a female member of the Yi ethnic group, was born in April 1953 in the village of Jiaowuying (教务营村), Shudeka (树得卡自然村), in Jiulong Township (九龙乡), Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County (禄劝彝族苗族自治县), Kunming, Yunnan Province. At the age of 11, in 1964, she began learning embroidery techniques from a local artisan, Zhang Guoying (张国英). Known for her dexterity and diligent nature, Yang quickly grasped the techniques with only minimal guidance from her teacher. Over the following years, she mastered a variety of embroidery styles, including cross-stitch, flat stitch, pile flower stitch, knot stitch, and rolling stitch, earning a reputation as a skilled embroiderer both locally and beyond.
Artistic Achievements
By 1985, Yang’s embroidered works had gained significant recognition. One of her meticulously crafted outfits was selected by experts from the Kunming City Museum during a celebration for the Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, where it was collected as part of the museum’s permanent collection. Her embroidery works are known for their exquisite detail, vibrant colors, and delicate craftsmanship.
Yang Hanfen’s works range from clothing and accessories to home decor. In the Jiulong Township area, it became a source of pride for Yi women to wear wedding dresses embroidered by Yang Hanfen. Additionally, it was common for elderly people to request that Yang embroider special shoes, known as “elder’s shoes” (老人鞋), before passing away. These shoes were believed to ensure a safe and timely journey to the afterlife, reflecting the deep cultural significance of her embroidery skills within the local community.
Impact and Legacy
Yang’s embroidery is self-designed and hand-stitched, with each piece featuring carefully composed patterns, bright colors, and intricate techniques that make her work highly admired. Her main representative works include traditional clothing, waistbands, bags, scarves, and bed curtains. Over the years, she has also dedicated herself to passing on her skills to younger generations. To date, 25 local Yi women have trained under her guidance to learn the art of embroidery.
Her works continue to reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Yi people, and she remains a beloved figure in her community for her contributions to the preservation and development of Yi embroidery.
Early Life and Training
Bi Yueying (毕跃英), a female member of the Yi ethnic group, was born in 1954 in Beida Village (北大村), Shilin County (石林县), Kunming, Yunnan Province. She is the representative inheritor of the Yi (Sani) embroidery skill, which was selected as part of the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage items. From the age of eight, she learned embroidery under the guidance of her grandmother and mother. Later, she apprenticed with a local artist, Bi Zhangshi (毕张氏), who helped her hone her skills. With her solid cultural foundation and diligent learning attitude, she quickly mastered the complete set of eight essential garments worn by Sani women, including head coverings, clothing, pants, aprons, blankets, bags, waist wraps, and back covers.
Mastery of Sani Embroidery
Throughout her life, Bi Yueying has focused on perfecting Sani embroidery, and she is proficient in many different types of embroidery stitches. For instance, there are eight different needle techniques in cross-stitch alone, and more than twenty different patterns, such as pomegranate flowers, sunflowers, lotus flowers, fist flowers, pine resin flowers, three-string flowers, green onion flowers, and pear flowers. She has made significant contributions to preserving and innovating the art, creating modern items like wall hangings, sofa covers, and ethnic-style neckties, in addition to traditional Sani embroidery works.
Her skill and passion for the craft have made embroidery not only her hobby but also a livelihood. With the income from selling her embroidered products, she has been able to support her children’s education. Her embroidery has gained such renown that people, both from China and abroad, visit her village to purchase her work, and she has become a well-known figure in the area.
Notable Works and Impact
Bi Yueying’s works are widely appreciated for their vivid colors, intricate patterns, and careful design. Some of her most famous pieces include embroidered Sani flower bags, children’s blankets, and traditional costumes, all of which have been collected by institutions such as the Beijing Ethnic Culture Palace and the Yunnan Provincial Museum. Her craftsmanship is highly regarded, and she continues to pass on her skills to the next generation. Over the years, she has opened a shop in Ashima Town (阿诗玛小镇), Shilin, which has become a place for both local women and visitors to learn and practice embroidery under her guidance.
In addition to her extensive work, Bi Yueying has formalized her efforts to preserve and pass on the art by accepting apprentices. She now mentors many local women, teaching them the skills needed to create beautiful embroidered pieces and, in turn, helping them improve their livelihoods.
Recognition and Honors
Bi Yueying has received numerous honors and accolades for her work:
- In May 2012, her work “Starry Night” won first place in the Cross-stitch category at the inaugural Yunnan Ethnic and Folk Handicraft Embroidery and Cross-stitch Competition.
- In December 2017, she was included in the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative inheritors.
- In 2018, she was officially recognized as a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project.
- In 2019, she was appointed as the “Cup of Innovation” Ambassador for the Promotion of Chinese Textile Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- In June 2022, her activities as a representative inheritor were officially evaluated as “qualified” by Yunnan Province’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Inheritors Annual Assessment.
Cultural Influence and Legacy
Bi Yueying’s achievements reflect her deep-rooted dedication to Sani embroidery, which she regards as an art form that one should continue to learn and practice throughout life. Her embroidery not only represents the traditional culture of the Yi people but also serves as an essential part of preserving and promoting ethnic heritage.
Her works are a bridge between generations, as she passes down this unique cultural skill while adapting it to modern times. Through her passion and dedication, she has significantly contributed to the recognition of Sani embroidery, earning her a respected place within her community and beyond.
Li Guangzhou – Inheritor of Copper Tobacco Pipe-making Craft in Xuanwei City, Qujing
曲靖市宣威市龙场镇铜烟锅制作技艺传承人 – 李光周
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3252.html
Hua Pin – Root Carving Artisan in Xuanwei City, Qujing
曲靖市宣威市根雕艺人 – 华品
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3253.html
Gongsun Xin (公孙馨), male, Han nationality, was born in October 1949 in Qijie Village Group One, Siji Town, Tonghai County, Yuxi City. He is the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the Gao Tai paper扎 (纸扎) craft. Gao Tai in Tonghai is a unique traditional festival folk performance form originating from the Jiangnan region and has a history of over 400 years.
Learning and Inheritance
Gongsun Xin (公孙馨) has been passionate about the Gao Tai paper扎 (纸扎) craft since childhood. With his exceptional talent and diligent practice, he gradually mastered this unique skill. He is not only proficient in making Gao Tai but also has an in-depth study and practice of the paper扎 (纸扎) craft. Gongsun Xin’s (公孙馨) skills cover a variety of traditional crafts, including painting, sculpture, bamboo weaving, and ironwood craftsmanship, enabling him to create exquisite Gao Tai works.
Artistic Features
Gao Tai in Tonghai is a comprehensive art form that integrates drama, novels, myths, legends, stories, sculpture, painting, bamboo weaving, ironwood craftsmanship, and decorative arts. It is hailed as a “dramatic bonsai” or a “three-dimensional story bonsai.” The key to Gao Tai making lies in concealing the “skeleton,” meaning the iron rods supporting the entire stage must be hidden naturally and seamlessly. This is the unique skill of Gao Tai artisans.
Inheritance and Protection
Gongsun Xin (公孙馨) is well aware of the cultural value and significance of inheriting the Gao Tai paper扎 (纸扎) craft. He actively participates in the protection of intangible cultural heritage. He not only teaches the craft in his village but also promotes this traditional art through various cultural activities and performances. In November 2019, the Tonghai County Cultural Museum was recognized as the protection unit for the “Gao Tai (Tonghai Gao Tai)” project.
As the inheritor of the Gao Tai paper扎 (纸扎) craft, Gongsun Xin (公孙馨) has not only achieved excellence in the craft but also made significant contributions to the inheritance and promotion of this intangible cultural heritage.
Measures to Protect the Gao Tai Making Craft
Protecting the Gao Tai making craft requires a multi-faceted approach, combining the efforts of the government, society, and inheritors to ensure the continuation and development of this intangible cultural heritage. Here are the specific measures:
Government Support and Policy Protection
- Establishment of Protection Units: In November 2019, the Tonghai County Cultural Museum was recognized as the protection unit for the “Gao Tai (Tonghai Gao Tai)” project. On October 31, 2023, the protection unit was reconfirmed as the Tonghai County Cultural Museum (Tonghai County Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center), ensuring the continuity of protection efforts.
- Legislative Protection: By enacting relevant laws and regulations, the protection targets, scope, and measures are clearly defined. For example, the “Yuxi City Tonghai Historical and Cultural City Protection Regulations” lists the Gao Tai making craft as an object of intangible cultural heritage protection.
- Financial Support: The government should provide special funds for the inheritance, training, and display activities of the Gao Tai making craft. For example, the Tonghai County Cultural Museum’s Gao Tai making craft training class received financial support from the government.
Inheritor Cultivation and Education
- Master-Apprentice Inheritance: Encourage national and provincial inheritors, such as Gongsun Xin (公孙馨), to cultivate a new generation of inheritors through master-apprentice inheritance. For example, Gongsun Xin (公孙馨) personally taught the Gao Tai making craft in the training class held by the Tonghai County Cultural Museum.
- School Education: Incorporate the Gao Tai making craft into the school education system and introduce it to students through interest classes and extracurricular activities.
- Community Training: Host Gao Tai making craft training classes in the community to attract more Gao Tai art enthusiasts. For example, in August 2016, the Tonghai County Cultural Museum held a Gao Tai paper扎 (纸扎) making craft training class at the Qijie Community Committee and Qijie Training Hall in Siji Town, attracting more than 40 participants.
Cultural Activities and Display
- Cultural Activities: Organize various cultural activities, such as Spring Festival parades and folk art exhibitions, to showcase the Gao Tai making craft and enhance its social impact. For example, on February 8, 2016, Gao Tai was performed in the Tonghai County Spring Festival parade.
- Establishment of Training Halls: Set up Gao Tai making craft training halls to provide a fixed venue for inheritors and trainees. For example, the Qijie Training Hall in Tonghai County has become an important base for the inheritance of the Gao Tai making craft.
Digital Protection and Innovation
- Digital Recording: Utilize modern technological means to digitally record and preserve the Gao Tai making craft. For example, through filming, audio recording, and 3D modeling, the entire process of Gao Tai making is documented.
- Innovative Display Methods: Use virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to innovate the display methods of the Gao Tai making craft and attract more young people’s attention.
Cultural Ecological Environment Protection
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Establishment of Cultural Ecological Protection Zones: In the regions where the Gao Tai making craft is practiced, establish cultural ecological protection zones to safeguard the cultural ecological environment on which it depends. For example, by protecting the historical and cultural city of Tonghai County, a favorable cultural ecological environment is provided for the Gao Tai making craft.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3272.html
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Aqi. Duzhi – Inheritor of Mosuo Textile Craft in Ninglang County, Lijiang
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Tan Zhiping – Inheritor of Enamelled Silverware-making Craft in Yongsheng County, Lijiang
Tan Zhiping is from Jin Guan Village, San Chuan Town, Yong Sheng County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province (丽江市永胜县三川镇金官村). As the fourth-generation inheritor of the “Tan Family Silversmith” (谭记银匠) and...
Dao Ganxiang – Inheritor of Dai Traditional Culture in Luxi City, Dehong
Dao Ganxiang – Inheritor of Dai Traditional Culture in Luxi City, Dehong 德宏州潞西市遮放镇傣族传统文化传承人 – 刀干相 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3241.html...
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Le Paidang – Priest of Jingpo Sacrificial Activities in Longchuan County, Dehong 德宏州陇川县陇把镇景颇族祭祀活动的主持人 – 勒排当 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3242.html...
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Gao Zhiyong – Wood Carving Craftman in Yiliang County, Kunming
Early Life and Education Gao Zhiyong (高志永), a male member of the Han ethnic group, was born in October 1973 in Huihui Village (回辉村), Kuangyuan Town (匡远镇), Yiliang County...
Yang Hanfen – Master of Yi Embroidery Skill in Luquan County, Kunming
Early Life and Training Yang Hanfen (杨汉芬), a female member of the Yi ethnic group, was born in April 1953 in the village of Jiaowuying (教务营村), Shudeka (树得卡自然村), in...
Bi Yueying – Inheritor of Yi Cross-stitch Skill in Shilin County, Kunming
Early Life and Training Bi Yueying (毕跃英), a female member of the Yi ethnic group, was born in 1954 in Beida Village (北大村), Shilin County (石林县), Kunming, Yunnan Province....
Li Guangzhou – Inheritor of Copper Tobacco Pipe-making Craft in Xuanwei City, Qujing
Li Guangzhou – Inheritor of Copper Tobacco Pipe-making Craft in Xuanwei City, Qujing 曲靖市宣威市龙场镇铜烟锅制作技艺传承人 – 李光周 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3252.html...
Hua Pin – Root Carving Artisan in Xuanwei City, Qujing
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Gongsun Xin – Artisan of Zhizha Paper Art for Gaotai Acrobatic Stage in Tonghai County, Yuxi
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