Exploring the Chinese Use of Materials and Crafts

Have you ever wondered what materials are used in Chinese crafts and art forms, and how these have been perfected through the centuries? This ancient culture has produced some of the most intricate and visually appealing work with the use of a number of different materials and techniques. From jade to crafts that feature paper cutting and kite-making, intricate Chinese pieces often have a long heritage and story associated with them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the materials used by the Chinese to create their beautiful art and craft work, discovering how it evolved through the ages in order to create the pieces that we now see today.

Woodworking

Woodworking is a traditional craft in China, and it’s been practiced since ancient times. It has been used to create a variety of objects including furniture, armor, bows, sculptures, and more. The Chinese have traditionally worked with lacquer and different types of varnish to bring out the figure of the wood in the pieces they create. They use a variety of different tools, including chisels and planes. Furthermore, they also use steam bending to bend the wood into complicated, intricate shapes.
Xiaolong Wong @ Unsplash

Jade

Jade is a semiprecious stone found primarily in China, and it has been used for carving for centuries. It’s notable for its wide range of colors, from shades of green to white and gray. When it’s carved, it can have different patters, textures and styles. Fortunately, the hardness of jade makes it resistant to erosion, meaning that many pieces from ancient times have survived up until now. Perhaps the most famous type of jade carving today is the jade horse, which is a Chinese symbol for health and protection.

Ivory

Ivory carving is another important craft that has developed in China. It became especially popular during the Ming Dynasty due to the influence of the European trade, bringing with it the technique of carving ivory which had been practiced in Europe since the 14th century. The materials that were used were primarily obtained from African elephants, and they were often intricately carved into finely detailed sculptures of people, animals and religious figures.

Paper Cutting

Paper cutting is an art form that has been practiced in China since the 6th century. It’s traditionally used to represent marriages, births and other important family events. The cuts are very precise, often with intricate patterns featuring animals or flowers. It’s usually done against a red or black background, and the paper used is usually colored. This practice dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and the popularity of it only increased when the world ‘liuhua’ was printed onto the paper. This term means ‘flower pattern’ and it is still used today.

Colored Glazes

Colored glazes has been widely used in China for centuries, particularly in pottery. It involves the application of a thin layer of colored glass to earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. This is often worked into designs, with the most popular colors used being blue and white. These pieces are often admired for their intricate designs and the blending of colors. This is often developed through a combination of the artist’s skill and knowledge with the help of a potter wheel.

Kite-Making

Kite-making is a traditional Chinese craft that involves the design and construction of kites. It dates back to the 5th century BC, and versions of these kites were often used to propel chariots over long distances. This craft evolved over the centuries and was practiced by many different cultures, including the Chinese. In modern times, kites have become more decorative and detailed, with many incorporating different materials such as papers and feathers.
Pan Yubo @ Unsplash

Chinese art and crafts have been honed by centuries of the culture’s ingenuity, with materials and techniques used to create masterpieces with longevity. Woodworking, jade, ivory, paper cutting, colored glazes and kite-making are just a few of the materials and crafts the Chinese have used to create some of the most beautiful pieces in the world.