Intangible cultural heritage dazzles Paris

A hat on display at the exhibition in France is decorated with low tassels and a silver sparrow on top, giving off a sense of vitality. CHINA DAILY

Walking into the main hall, the metal section is the first to greet one's eyes. A gold mesh crown is placed front and center, immediately giving visitors a good measure of the stunning craftsmanship of ancient Chinese filigree art. The piece is an exact replica of the crown of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that was unearthed in the 1950s.

Dragon patterns coil around the crown, as if possessing a life on their own. At close quarters, the mind boggles at how the piece is composed of hair-thin strands of gold wire, all braided by hand, using a variety of techniques such as wire cutting, arranging, and welding. In particular, thousands of the dragon scales have been modeled out of gold wire measuring 0.2 millimeters in thickness. There are no seams, visible joints or broken threads, making this the epitome of China's gold craftsmanship.

Yang says the metal space aims to vividly present the traditional processes of metal craftsmanship, from casting, forging, engraving, inlaying and filigree to enamel work, and to showcase the skills of Chinese craftsmen and the beauty of their metal artistry.

She says she was impressed by seeing in person how filigree inlay artists can pull a piece of metal into a wire as thin as a strand of hair, a process she witnessed when she was learning about the practice a few years ago.

"At the same time, they have the skill to bend the threads gently around their fingers. Every little dragon on (the crown) is lifelike and awe-inspiring."

Su Dan, vice-curator of the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, says that he has taken a special shine to the unique folk silverware craft of the Miao people, which is used in fashioning silver hats of various styles.

The silver blossom hat on display is decorated with low tassels at the forehead and a lifelike silver sparrow. When the wearer moves, the silver sparrow will tremble slightly, and the tassels sway gently, giving the hat a sense of vitality. About 30 steps were involved in its creation, four of which — wire drawing, wire braiding, carving, and wire coiling — were the most important, according to the exhibition organizers. "The hat is an ordinary person's tribute to life," Su says.

Other highlights of the metal space include Convergence, an artwork made of brass and gold, featuring lifelike figures, posing hand in hand, which symbolizes not only the increasingly close and deep connections between people, but also a shared vision for a better life. The base model was created using 3D printing, shaped through precision casting, and decorated using electroplating.