On June 9, an activity to make traditional lacquer fans was held at Shishan Church in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.
Suzhou CC&TSPM introduced that combining various arts such as painting, carving, calligraphy, and inlay, the lacquer fan is a craft that has become one of the representatives of traditional Chinese handicrafts with its unique craftsmanship and it gives people the comfortable feeling of a breeze on the face. During the production process, practicality and artistry are blended due to its intangible dyeing and bleaching technology. This tradition has been passed down for thousands of years.
With the help of teachers, the believers first diluted the lacquer and dripped it into the water. After being blown or stirred, the lacquer formed a natural and random texture on the water. Then, holding a blank fan in their hands, they immersed the covering of the fan into the water at an even pace to be attached with unique textures by entering the water in different ways and at different angles. Finally, they removed the fans from the water. After the excess water was gently absorbed with a paper towel, the lacquer fans were finished.
“The activity of making lacquer fans is to spread and promote the excellent Chinese traditional culture and to deepen brothers and sisters’ knowledge and understanding of intangible cultural heritage,” said the church.
- Translated by Olinda Wang
