Luo Yunlin – Inheritor of Bamboo Carving Skill in Yanjin County, Zhaotong
盐津县竹雕技艺传承人 – 罗云林
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2545.html
Liu Yongzhou – Inheritor of Liujiazhai Shadow Puppetry in Tengchong City, Baoshan
腾冲县固东镇刘家寨皮影戏传承人 – 刘永周
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2527.html
Tan Jicheng （谭继成） is an inheritor of enamel silverware craftsmanship in Jin Guan Town (金官镇), Yong Sheng County (永胜县), which is located in Lijiang City (丽江市) and is an important heritage site for this traditional craft. Growing up in a family of silversmiths, Tan Jicheng developed a strong interest in enamel silverware production. He learned this traditional skill from his elders and gradually mastered the entire process, from design and blank making to filigree, enamel application, firing, and more.
Enamel Silverware Craftsmanship and Inheritance
The enamel silverware craftsmanship was introduced to Yong Sheng during the Yuan Dynasty and later spread among the local people. To date, only the Tan family in San Chuan Town (三川镇) and the Tang family in Yongbei Town (永北镇) of Yong Sheng County continue to inherit and practice this traditional skill. The production of enamel silverware involves mixing and grinding quartz, marble, borax, and chlorides into a powder, melting them according to different material crystals, and coloring the enamel glaze with the unique colors of metal ions. The decorative patterns on the works are mostly auspicious patterns from Han Chinese folk culture. The shapes are practical and aesthetically pleasing, with exquisite craftsmanship, vivid and unique patterns, bright and lustrous colors, and a color scheme dominated by cobalt blue and cinnabar, complemented by appropriate amounts of yellow, green, white, and ochre. The entire process is divided into six steps: blank making, filigree, enamel application, firing, inspection, and packaging.
Tan Jicheng’s enamel silverware craftsmanship is exquisite, and his works showcase the traditional artistic style and profound cultural connotations of the Naxi people. His works cover a wide range of subjects, including traditional religious items such as incense burners and ritual instruments, as well as ornaments and decorations reflecting Naxi folk culture. Building on traditional techniques, Tan Jicheng continuously innovates by combining modern design concepts with traditional craftsmanship, infusing new vitality into the ancient enamel silverware. In 2021, the Yong Sheng Enamel Silverware Craftsmanship (Silver-based Cloisonné Craftsmanship) was listed in the national intangible cultural heritage representative project catalog.
Cultural Contributions
As an inheritor of enamel silverware craftsmanship, Tan Jicheng is not only dedicated to creation but also actively cultivates the younger generation of enamel silverware enthusiasts. He holds enamel silverware workshops and training classes to pass on the skills to more people, making significant contributions to the inheritance and development of this traditional art. His efforts have revitalized enamel silverware in Yong Sheng County and injected new energy into the transmission and development of traditional Chinese culture.
Enamel silverware shares deep historical roots with Beijing cloisonné and has rich historical and cultural connotations. It is a testament to the fusion of Western decorative styles and southwestern ethnic cultures. Driven by his passion and dedication to enamel silverware production, Tan Jicheng continues to move forward on the path of inheritance and innovation, becoming an outstanding representative of enamel silverware craftsmanship in Jin Guan Town, Yong Sheng County.
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2529.html
Early Life and Interest in Folk Art
Gao Huairu (高怀汝), born in 1923, hails from Baima Road Village (白马路村), Dayu Township (大渔乡), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Kunming, Yunnan. He is a respected inheritor of the folk art of Shengxianhua (圣贤画), or paintings of Chinese sages and deities. These paintings feature a variety of revered figures, including Guanyin (观音), Guan Gong (关公), and sages from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Traditionally, these works are hung in the central hall of a home to ensure peace, safety, and purity for the household. Before being displayed, the paintings are often “consecrated” or “opened” (开光) to ensure their effectiveness in bringing blessings.
From a young age, Gao was drawn to the folk arts of his village, particularly the Shengxianhua and Jiama Paper (甲马纸), traditional paper used in religious rituals. His curiosity and interest led him to self-study the techniques of these folk arts, dedicating himself to mastering the craft of painting sages and deities.
Mastery and Influence in Shengxianhua Painting
Through diligent study, Gao Huairu developed his own unique style of Shengxianhua. His works are known for their meticulous composition, proper balance of elements, accurate proportions, and expressive faces. His paintings portray gods and sages in a vivid and realistic manner, capturing the essence of their power and grace. Gao’s ability to adapt traditional themes while incorporating modern techniques, influenced by his background as a former elementary school teacher, has greatly contributed to the distinctiveness and popularity of his art.
His paintings are not only revered for their artistic value but also for their deep connection to local customs and traditions. Gao’s profound understanding of Jiama Paper and the local cultural heritage has made him a key figure in preserving and promoting the folk arts of Chenggong.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Gao Huairu’s works have had a lasting impact in the Chenggong region, where his Shengxianhua paintings are still widely used to decorate homes and temples. His contributions to local folk art have cemented his reputation as one of the prominent inheritors of this tradition. Gao continues to share his knowledge with younger generations, ensuring that the art of Shengxianhua and its associated customs remain alive for future generations.
Early Life and Interest in Jiama Paper
Guo Shumo (郭树漠), born in 1925, is a renowned craftsman from Wulong Subdistrict (乌龙办事处), Longjie Township (龙街乡), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Kunming, Yunnan. He is an expert in the traditional craft of Jiama Paper (甲马纸), a form of paper used in sacrificial ceremonies and religious rituals among the Bai ethnic minority and other Yunnan communities. Jiama Paper, measuring approximately 20cm x 30cm, is typically printed with images of deities and spiritual symbols, often used for rituals aimed at warding off evil and seeking divine blessings.
Guo’s passion for Jiama Paper began in his youth. He was fascinated by the art of carving Jiama Paper woodcut plates and began learning the craft on his own. Over the years, he mastered the technique of carving Jiama boards, evolving the traditional designs and improving upon the crude, rough styles that were prevalent at the time.
Mastery and Innovation in Jiama Paper Carving
As he honed his skills, Guo Shumo applied his creativity to improve the precision and beauty of Jiama Paper designs. His carvings were more detailed, with smoother lines and more lifelike representations of the deities. The images he created were clear, elegant, and accurately represented the traditional motifs, making them highly sought after in the Chenggong and Longjie areas. Throughout his career, Guo carved several hundred Jiama boards, and his works gained widespread recognition in the local community.
In addition to his work with Jiama Paper, Guo is also skilled in crafting intricate paper and bamboo decorations for other ceremonial purposes, such as dragon-shaped ornaments. His ability to work in various media, including paper-cutting and bamboo weaving, has earned him a reputation as a versatile and talented folk artist.
Legacy and Recognition
Guo Shumo’s Jiama Paper carvings remain popular in Chenggong and the surrounding areas, where his works are used in both religious rituals and as decorative items. His innovations in the art of Jiama Paper carving have helped preserve this important folk craft, ensuring its continued existence for future generations.
Wan Shuqing (万树青), born in 1930, is a native of Xincao Fang Village (新草房村), Longjie Subdistrict (龙街办事处), Longcheng Town (龙城镇), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Kunming (昆明). Originally from Waya Village (瓦窑村) in Yuxi (玉溪), Wan moved to Chenggong after serving in the military and apprenticed with his father in pottery-making.
Mastering the Craft of Wamao (Tile Cat)
For over 40 years, Wan has specialized in pottery-making, with a particular focus on crafting Wamao (瓦猫)—whimsical tile cats placed on the roofs of Naxi houses to protect the home and draw in good fortune. Wan is known as the earliest practitioner in Chenggong to make Wamao, and his unique tile cats have become highly popular both locally and among scholars, artists, and collectors.
Notable Achievements
Wan’s tile cats have been admired by many and were featured in the 1st China Art Festival (1987), where his creations were part of the Yunnan Ethnic and Folk Arts Exhibition in Beijing. His Wamao became well-known for its artistic appeal and cultural significance.
Family Tradition
Wan’s Wamao-making craft has been passed down to his son, Wan Ronghua (万荣华), who now continues the tradition. The Wamao, placed on the roof ridges of local homes, serves as a guardian spirit and symbol of prosperity. This practice is widespread in many parts of Yunnan (云南).
For more details, please visit the original source: Yunnan Cultural Heritage.
Zhang Yuexian – Inheritor of Folk Paper-cut Artistry in Qujing City
曲靖市民间剪纸技艺传承人 – 张月仙
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2535.html
Zhang Yue’e – Inheritor of Folk Paper-cut Artistry in Qujing City
曲靖市民间剪纸技艺传承人 – 张月娥
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2536.html
Duan Jichang (段继昌) – Master of Folk Clay Sculpture in Jin Cheng Town, Jingning District
Duan Jichang (段继昌), born in 1965, hails from Ximen Subdistrict (西门办事处), Panchi Street (泮池街), Jin Cheng Town (晋城镇), Jingning District (晋宁县), Kunming (昆明).
Early Passion and Mastery of Multiple Art Forms
From a young age, Duan developed a love for painting and sculpture. Through persistent hard work and continuous practice, he mastered various artistic techniques, including painting, wood carving, stone engraving, clay sculpture, and jade carving.
Prolific Body of Work
To date, Duan has created over 3,000 works, including:
- 500+ wood carvings
- 600+ paintings
- 700+ stone engravings
- 50+ jade carvings
- Nearly 1,000 clay sculptures
Notable Works and Achievements
Some of Duan’s most notable clay sculptures include:
- “Ji Gong” (济公) at Panlong Temple (盘龙寺) in his hometown.
- “Five White Arhats” (五白罗汉) at Puzhao Temple (普昭寺).
- “Jade Emperor” (玉皇大帝) at Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁).
In addition to his clay sculptures, his wood carving masterpiece, “Zheng He’s Ship”, is displayed in the Zheng He Park exhibition hall. Another iconic work, “Statue of Zheng He”, was recommended by the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences to be part of the Malaysian Zheng He Commemoration Exhibition in 1997.
For more details, please visit the original source: Yunnan Cultural Heritage.
Zhang Qingshan (张庆山), born in 1946, is a master of traditional pottery-making in Longquan Town (龙泉镇), Panlong District (盘龙区), Kunming (昆明). He hails from Xiaoyao Village (小窑村), located in the Baoyun Subdistrict (宝云办事处) of Kunming.
A Family Tradition of Pottery
Zhang comes from a long line of potters, with his family specializing in earthware pottery. Growing up under the influence of his father, he began learning pottery techniques at a young age.
Training and Early Work
In 1962, when Zhang’s father reconstructed a kiln factory, Zhang formally entered the pottery industry as an apprentice. During this period, he primarily crafted everyday household items such as water jars, pottery pots, flower pots, and traditional talismans like the “tile cats” used in local rural areas to ward off evil and protect homes. However, due to historical circumstances, the pottery factory ceased production.
Revival of Pottery-making in 1975
In 1975, Zhang, deeply passionate about traditional folk pottery, revived his father’s pottery kiln. He began training six apprentices, passing down the family’s craft. Today, his two sons continue this legacy, inheriting the pottery-making skills and ensuring the tradition endures.
Zhang’s pottery-making skills have garnered attention from local media, with both Yunnan Television and Kunming Television featuring him in interviews and documentary segments.
For more details, please visit the original source: Yunnan Cultural Heritage.
Luo Zhuxiang (罗竹香), born in 1926, is a renowned paper-cut artist from Guandu District (官渡区) in Kunming (昆明), where she currently resides in the Cultural Center Dormitory.
A Family Tradition of Paper-cutting
Luo was raised in a rural environment and hails from a family with a rich legacy of paper-cut artistry. Both her grandmother and mother were celebrated paper-cut artists in the local community, and the family’s craftsmanship has been passed down for over a century.
Early Beginnings in Paper-cutting
Luo began her journey with paper-cutting at the age of 12, learning the craft from her mother. She showed remarkable talent not only in paper-cutting but also in embroidery. By the age of 20, she was already creating her own designs, drawing inspiration from folk tales and translating them into intricate paper-cut patterns.
Recognition and Achievements
Luo’s artistic achievements were first featured in Yunnan Daily (《云南日报》) in 1957, marking the beginning of widespread recognition for her work. She is affectionately known as the “Flower Cutting Lady” (剪花婆) and is considered the leading figure in Guandu’s paper-cutting traditions.
Her works are not only widely used in local folklore but have also been showcased in numerous prestigious exhibitions, such as national arts and crafts exhibitions and joint exhibitions with 25 provinces and cities. Throughout her career, Luo has received multiple awards for her outstanding contributions to the craft of paper-cutting.
For more details, please visit the original source: Yunnan Cultural Heritage.
Early Life and Background
Yuan Yulan (袁狱兰), born in 1918, is from Xiaodang Village (小当村) in Majinpuxiang Township (马金铺乡), Chenggong County (呈贡县), Kunming (昆明). Raised by her grandfather, a feng shui master, she learned much about local customs and traditions, which influenced her later work.
After the early death of her husband, Yuan faced economic challenges, leading her to teach herself various traditional crafts. These included paper-cutting, embroidery, and colored paper sculpture, where she created decorative patterns for everyday items such as waistbands, shoe insoles, shoes, and curtain edges.
Craftsmanship and Legacy
With over 60 years of experience, Yuan has become a highly respected figure in folk arts. She is credited with designing many original shoe flower patterns that have been widely used in Chenggong and Kunming. Her intricate designs are known for their vibrant colors and detailed craftsmanship.
One of Yuan’s most notable contributions is her colored paper horses, which have become popular in her community. Additionally, she is the only local artist capable of explaining the cultural significance behind funeral decorations made from colored paper, making her a unique and influential figure in the region. Her deep knowledge of the cultural and ritualistic aspects of her craft, combined with her artistic talent, has earned her a high level of recognition and admiration.
Legacy and Recognition
Yuan Yulan is highly regarded in her community and beyond, particularly for her contributions to the local folk arts. Her works are not only seen as beautiful pieces of craftsmanship but also as a reflection of the region’s cultural heritage. Through her artistic expressions, Yan Yulan has helped preserve important elements of Chenggong’s folk traditions.
For more details, visit the original article.
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Luo Yunlin – Inheritor of Bamboo Carving Skill in Yanjin County, Zhaotong
Luo Yunlin – Inheritor of Bamboo Carving Skill in Yanjin County, Zhaotong 盐津县竹雕技艺传承人 – 罗云林 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2545.html...
Liu Yongzhou – Inheritor of Liujiazhai Shadow Puppetry in Tengchong City, Baoshan
Liu Yongzhou – Inheritor of Liujiazhai Shadow Puppetry in Tengchong City, Baoshan 腾冲县固东镇刘家寨皮影戏传承人 – 刘永周 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2527.html...
Tan Jicheng – Inheritor of Enamelled Silverware-making Craft in Yongsheng County, Lijiang
Tan Jicheng （谭继成） is an inheritor of enamel silverware craftsmanship in Jin Guan Town (金官镇), Yong Sheng County (永胜县), which is located in Lijiang City (丽江市) and is an...
Gao Huairu – Inheritor of Folk Paintings Themed on Chinese Sages in Chenggong District, Kunming
Early Life and Interest in Folk Art Gao Huairu (高怀汝), born in 1923, hails from Baima Road Village (白马路村), Dayu Township (大渔乡), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Kunming, Yunnan. He is...
Guo Shumo – Inheritor of Jiama Paper in Chenggong District, Kunming
Early Life and Interest in Jiama Paper Guo Shumo (郭树漠), born in 1925, is a renowned craftsman from Wulong Subdistrict (乌龙办事处), Longjie Township (龙街乡), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Kunming, Yunnan....
Wan Shuqing – Inheritor of Wamao-making Craft in Chenggong District, Kunming
Wan Shuqing (万树青), born in 1930, is a native of Xincao Fang Village (新草房村), Longjie Subdistrict (龙街办事处), Longcheng Town (龙城镇), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Kunming (昆明). Originally from Waya Village...
Zhang Yuexian – Inheritor of Folk Paper-cut Artistry in Qujing City
Zhang Yuexian – Inheritor of Folk Paper-cut Artistry in Qujing City 曲靖市民间剪纸技艺传承人 – 张月仙 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2535.html...
Zhang Yue’e – Inheritor of Folk Paper-cut Artistry in Qujing City
Zhang Yue’e – Inheritor of Folk Paper-cut Artistry in Qujing City 曲靖市民间剪纸技艺传承人 – 张月娥 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2536.html...
Duan Jichang – Inheritor of Folk Clay Sulpture Artistry in Jingning District, Kunming
Duan Jichang (段继昌) – Master of Folk Clay Sculpture in Jin Cheng Town, Jingning District Duan Jichang (段继昌), born in 1965, hails from Ximen Subdistrict (西门办事处), Panchi Street (泮池街),...
Zhang Qingshan – Inheritor of Pottery-making Craft in Panlong District, Kunming
Zhang Qingshan (张庆山), born in 1946, is a master of traditional pottery-making in Longquan Town (龙泉镇), Panlong District (盘龙区), Kunming (昆明). He hails from Xiaoyao Village (小窑村), located in...
Inheritor of Paper-cut Artistry in Guandu District, Kunming
Luo Zhuxiang (罗竹香), born in 1926, is a renowned paper-cut artist from Guandu District (官渡区) in Kunming (昆明), where she currently resides in the Cultural Center Dormitory. A Family...
Yuan Yulan – Master of Folk Paper-cut in Chenggong District, Kunming
Early Life and Background Yuan Yulan (袁狱兰), born in 1918, is from Xiaodang Village (小当村) in Majinpuxiang Township (马金铺乡), Chenggong County (呈贡县), Kunming (昆明). Raised by her grandfather, a...
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