Shandong's Three-legged Bird nests in Shanghai
(City Weekend)
Updated: 2005-03-31 14:26

Shandong's rich heritage of folk art has migrated to Shanghai in the form of handicrafts shop San Zu Niao, which means three-legged bird. But like most birds in Shanghai, it is difficult to find. Located at number 762 Yongjia Lu, one is likely to miss the entrance as it fails to highlight the treasures that can be found inside.

The handicrafts on offer range from wooden xylograph stencils, dating back to the Ming dynasty, to little hand-made shoes. There are also beautiful traditional cloth toys, and lions made of clay that make funny roaring noises. Each artefact has a detailed description in English, so the shop also serves like a small museum; shoppers not only get to buy Chinese souvenirs, they also come away with the feeling that they have had a culture and history lesson at the same time. And when buying, shoppers can feel warm all over knowing that they are doing their part to keep traditional Shandong handicrafts alive. In fact, prices are extremely reasonable, ranging from *15 upwards.

Gaomi (a place in Shandong) clay sculptures have a history of 400 years. In the Long Qing and Wan Li periods of the Ming dynasty, the farmers in Gaomi designed various animals in clay. A popular animal was the tiger, also fashioned in clay but having a stomach made of sheepskin. Like the lions at SanZuNiao it made a loud and mighty sound, warning all ghosts and monsters to stay clear.

Another beautiful Gaomi handicraft is paper cuttings, which are detailed and exquisite. The main themes used are flowers, birds, fish and worms. Traditionally made by the women of Gaomi, these paper cuttings portray local customs and have found their way into homes and museums around the globe.

Gaomi's charcoal drawings and prints - made using a traditional wooden xylograph - take you back in time. The stories they tell are of a mystic world where door gods such as Qin Qing and Zhong Kui reflect the desires of farmers to protect their families from evil. The wooden xylographs themselves are works of art. An intricate design is drawn on smooth pear wood or birch, that is then meticulously carved. The end result is simply breathtaking.

The name of the shop comes from a legendary three-legged bird that is said to have lived in Shandong. Stories about it are weaved in mystery and folklore, with the little bird now having found its way to the big city. SanZuNiao in its commercial form is a bit of a night owl though as it only opens at 2pm, closing at 11pm. So should you need to go in the morning, be sure to give them a call or, like me, you might be waiting on Yongjia Lu till the three-legged bird wakes up from its late night.

San Zu Niao Folk Crafts
762 Yongjia Lu (near Hengshan Lu)
Tel: 6445-9961