Li Guilan (李桂兰) is a provincial-level inheritor of Lisu (傈僳族) costume-making techniques from Yongchun Township (永春乡), Weixi County (维西县) in Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州). She was born in 1963 in Meiluo Village (美洛村), Pantiange Township (攀天阁乡). Li Guilan inherited the traditional Lisu costume-making skills from her family, developing a strong interest in the craft under the influence of her mother. In addition to preserving the traditional techniques, she has introduced stylistic and pattern innovations to adapt the costumes to modern aesthetics.
Inheritance Activities and Innovative Measures
Training and Transmission
Li Guilan actively participates in local intangible cultural heritage preservation efforts. She conducts training sessions and workshops to teach younger generations the techniques of Lisu costume-making. Alongside other inheritors, she regularly organizes exchange activities to share knowledge and skills.
Integrating Modern Design
While retaining the traditional features of Lisu costumes, Li Guilan incorporates modern design elements. She uses new materials such as cotton and wool yarn to weave double-layered fabrics and adds colorful lace and patterns to the garments. This innovation enhances the visual appeal of the costumes and attracts more interest from younger audiences.
Promoting Industrial Development
By participating in various exhibitions and cultural events, Li Guilan has brought Lisu costumes to broader markets. Her works are well-received locally and have also been showcased at international exhibitions in cities like Shanghai (上海) and Shenzhen (深圳), where they have garnered positive feedback.
Addressing Challenges in Inheritance
Facing challenges such as raw material shortages and declining interest among the youth, Li Guilan collaborates with local governments and cultural departments to gain support. Through the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Poverty Alleviation Workshop” model, she encourages local women to learn the craft and increase their income.
Achievements in Inheritance
Li Guilan’s efforts have yielded remarkable results. Currently, Weixi County (维西县) has 810 intangible cultural heritage practitioners engaged in Lisu traditional costume-making, including 420 households that have been lifted out of poverty. Her apprentices actively participate in the inheritance work, and more and more young and middle-aged women are beginning to learn the craft.
Li Guilan’s dedication not only preserves the traditional Lisu costume-making techniques, but also contributes significantly to local economic development and cultural preservation.
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He Jixi is an inheritor of Dongba culture in Mingyin Township (鸣音乡), Yu Long County (玉龙县), Lijiang City (丽江市). Growing up immersed in Dongba culture, he learned from his elders and systematically mastered Dongba script, scriptures, calligraphy, painting, and other related knowledge. As a custodian of Dongba culture, he has a comprehensive understanding of Dongba rituals and cultural practices. His calligraphy and painting works are characterized by their simplicity, roundness, and unique charm.
Inheritance and Promotion of Dongba Culture
He Jixi is actively involved in the inheritance of Dongba culture in the Lijiang area and has participated in numerous cultural exchange activities both domestically and internationally. He has showcased the unique appeal of Dongba culture on the international stage, introducing this ancient culture to a broader audience. Additionally, he actively participates in teaching at Dongba culture training classes, passing on his knowledge and experience to the younger generation and cultivating more inheritors of Dongba culture.
Protection and Development of Dongba Culture
In recent years, Yu Long County in Lijiang City has placed great emphasis on the protection and inheritance of Dongba culture. Through activities such as organizing training classes and establishing inheritance sites, systematic protection of Dongba culture has been promoted. As an inheritor, He Jixi actively participates in these activities and has made significant contributions to the inheritance and development of Dongba culture. His efforts have not only revitalized Dongba culture in Yu Long County but also injected new vitality into the transmission and development of traditional Chinese culture.
Driven by his passion and dedication to Dongba culture, He Jixi continues to move forward on the path of inheritance and innovation, becoming a pillar in the transmission of Dongba culture in Yu Long County.
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Wang Ciding is a Naxi mural artist from Yong Ning Township (永宁乡), Ning Lang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), Yunnan Province. Located in the northern part of Ning Lang County, Yong Ning Township is at the junction of three counties in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and is also the site of the national scenic spot, Lugu Lake (泸沽湖). Growing up in an environment rich in ethnic culture, Wang Ciding developed a strong interest in Naxi murals. Through long-term study and practice, he has mastered the traditional skills of Naxi murals and has achieved remarkable success in this field.
Mural Art and Inheritance
Wang Ciding’s mural works not only showcase the traditional artistic style of the Naxi people but also incorporate modern elements, giving his works a contemporary feel and greater观赏性. His works often focus on the history, culture, folk customs, and natural landscapes of the Naxi people. With delicate brushstrokes and rich colors, he vividly portrays the unique charm of the Naxi ethnic group. On the basis of inheriting traditions, Wang Ciding continuously innovates, infusing new vitality into the ancient Naxi murals.
Cultural Contributions
Wang Ciding is not only an outstanding mural artist but also a transmitter and promoter of Naxi culture. He actively participates in various cultural activities, showcasing the unique charm of Naxi mural art through exhibitions and lectures. In addition, he is committed to training the younger generation of mural artists, making significant contributions to the inheritance and development of Naxi murals.
Driven by his passion and dedication to Naxi mural art, Wang Ciding continues to move forward on the path of inheritance and innovation, becoming an outstanding representative of Naxi mural art in Ning Lang County.
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2672.html
Shangguan Shaorong, male, Han ethnicity, began his schooling at the Chenghuang Temple School (城隍庙学堂) in 1945 and progressed to junior high school in 1950. During his studies, he learned paper-cutting and ceramic painting from his aunt, Shangguan Zhi (上官治), and others, laying a solid foundation in the arts. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he joined the Yongsheng local enterprise, the Flower-baking Society (烘花社). He was later transferred to the Yuanyang Highway to support border construction. In 1966, he returned to his hometown and was assigned to guard the forests of Dalingshan in Nanhu Township (南华乡冷水青大尖山). In 1983, he became a farmer. Amidst his time surrounded by nature, he befriended wild trees, mountain flowers, fluttering butterflies, and chirping birds. In his spare time, he would embroider flowers, paint, and cut paper, often helping neighbors with weddings, funerals, and other celebrations. His dedication earned him the deep respect of his community.
Paper-cutting Art and Inheritance
Shangguan Shaorong’s paper-cutting works are rich in cultural connotations and demonstrate exquisite craftsmanship. His pieces cover a wide range of subjects, from traditional auspicious patterns to local customs, natural scenery, and more. Building on traditional techniques, he continuously innovated by incorporating modern elements into his works, giving them a contemporary feel and greater aesthetic appeal. He actively participated in various cultural activities and exhibitions, showcasing the charm of paper-cutting through live performances and teaching sessions. His works have been exhibited in numerous art shows and published in provincial and municipal newspapers and magazines.
Cultural Contributions
As a paper-cutting artist, Shangguan Shaorong was not only dedicated to creation but also to the cultivation of the younger generation’s interest in paper-cutting. He held paper-cutting workshops and training classes, passing on his skills to many, and making significant contributions to the inheritance and development of this traditional art form. His efforts revitalized paper-cutting in Yongsheng County and injected new vitality into the transmission and development of traditional Chinese culture. He had only one true successor, a woman from Fujian named Wang Lihong (王丽红).
Driven by his passion and commitment to paper-cutting, Shangguan Shaorong continued to move forward on the path of inheritance and innovation, becoming an outstanding representative of paper-cutting art in Yongsheng County. He passed away at his home in Yongbei Town (永北镇) on January 13, 2008. His artistic journey and works have left a precious legacy for paper-cutting in Yongsheng County and inspired many to engage in the inheritance and development of traditional folk arts.
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2671.html
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