Harmony of Chinese Craftsmanship: Exhibition at London Craft Week
On May 19th, 2024, the “Harmony of China” themed exhibition was held at the historic Royal Mint Court during London Craft Week, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Organized by the Chinese Arts and Design Magazine, the exhibition showcased the excellence and innovation of contemporary Chinese craftsmanship, fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.
London Craft Week, one of the world’s most significant annual craft events, serves as a platform for global artisans, blending international and local, historical and contemporary, commercial and cultural interactions. The “Harmony of China” exhibition featured four main sections: clothing, ceramics, lacquerware, and bamboo weaving, highlighting the unique skills and profound cultural heritage of Chinese artisans.
Highlights from the Exhibition
Clothing: “The Blossom of Apparel”
The clothing section showcased the rich artistic heritage of Chinese ethnic costumes, focusing on the Han, Miao, and Yi ethnic groups. Notable contributions included works from Miao designer Gu A Xin, Yi designer Lei Wenwen, and the fashion brand Dexijianqiu. Gu A Xin, a prominent Miao designer, emphasized that Miao people traditionally embroider their history and migration stories onto their clothing, making their attire a “living history book.”
Ceramics: “The Blossom of Porcelain”
The ceramics section highlighted contemporary Longquan celadon and Jizhou kiln ceramics, showcasing their distinctive traditional styles and the evolution of Chinese porcelain craftsmanship.
Bamboo Weaving: “The Blossom of Bamboo”
One of the standout pieces in the bamboo weaving section was “Stone as Cloud Root,” a hexagonally woven structure that combines the solidity of stone with the lightness of clouds, illustrating the intricate and ethereal nature of bamboo craftsmanship.
Special Performances and Cultural Significance
The exhibition also featured a dance performance by artists from “English-Chinese Performing Arts,” wearing designs by the national intangible cultural heritage brand Dexijianqiu. They performed excerpts from the dance drama “Ode to Spring,” which gained acclaim at the Dragon Year Spring Festival Gala. This dance drama, created by the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre, is scheduled for 12 performances at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre from August 30 to September 7, 2024.
Impact and Reflections
Saulter, Chairman of London Craft Week, reminisced about the event’s growth from 70 activities in its first year to over 500 today, involving more than 700 artists and attracting over 250,000 visitors. He reiterated his belief in the power of creativity to unite people.
Zhao Fei, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in the UK, highlighted the significant participation of China in this year’s event. He noted that traditional crafts play a crucial role in cultural preservation, rural revitalization, and poverty alleviation in China, contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals.
Qian Zhu, President of the Arts and Design Magazine, emphasized that the exhibition featured works from 54 artists, representing the diverse and evolving nature of Chinese crafts. These works reflect the desires of the Chinese people and the progressive demands of contemporary China while telling stories of ethnic unity and the integration of traditional crafts into modern life.
The “Harmony of China” exhibition at London Craft Week was not just a display of artistic excellence but a celebration of cultural dialogue and the timeless beauty of Chinese craftsmanship.