Yangzhou handicrafts on display at Beijing exhibition

Yangzhou handicrafts, renowned for their long-standing history, are making their appearance in Beijing during the Fourth Biennial of Modern Chinese Arts and Crafts at the National Museum of China from Aug 18 to Sept 2.

Sixteen masterpieces, ranging from jade carvings to lacquer paintings, showcase the typical style of Yangzhou handicrafts to visitors.

The Biennial of Modern Chinese Arts and Crafts, a national-level exhibition, represents the highest art creation level of modern arts and crafts in China.

Yan Peng, the official in charge of selecting the Yangzhou exhibits, said only the most representative masterpieces were selected to be exhibited in Beijing.

Among the 16 masterpieces, many of them are related to traditional love stories.

One of the jade carvings, named Ming Qing He Wu (playing zither while cranes dancing aside), was designed by master He Bing by applying Shanzidiao, a traditional carving technique commonly used in depicting landscapes.

The carving vividly presents the picture of Sima Xiangru playing zither in the pavilion with Zhuo Wenjun standing by his side, listening quietly. Sima and his wife lived in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), a feudal time when men and women had no freedom to choose their spouses and usually met each other for the first time at their weddings. Sima and Zhuo are famous for their brave romance as the lady was attracted by the man's talent in music and decided to elope with him.

A jade carving named Ming Qing He Wu (playing zither while cranes dancing aside) on display at the National Museum of China [Photo/yznews.com]

A jade carving named Fu Lu Shou (happiness, wealth and longevity) made by master Liu Xiaohua on display at the National Museum of China [Photo/yznews.com]