Artisans carve out cultural paths at Bengbu forum

He started to learn the craft at the age of 16, and has been engaging with it for some 63 years.

"I feel at peace when I'm carving jade, and sometimes I feel that the jade is shaping me as well."

Morandin offered a method adopted by many famous Italian brands to promote traditional crafts.

"Gucci now has craftsmen demonstrating their skills in their shops, where potential buyers can see how their products are made with their own eyes. Fendi has also adopted this method.

"In this way, the products are not only made for potential buyers, but also attract people who are interested in the techniques used to make these products."

He also suggested that people should not necessarily strive for perfection when they are making handicrafts, as learning by trial and error is an important way for artisans to hone their skills.

Another seminar called "preservation and development of China-Japan intangible cultural heritage" which discussed similar topics between China and Japan was held on the same day.

Kato Sobei, executive vice-president of the Junior Chamber International Japan, cited one example to show the importance of protecting traditional culture.

He noted that many Japanese people no longer drink tea made in a teapot, which is a long-held tradition in both China and Japan. Instead, people drink bottled tea now since it is more convenient. But many Chinese people still keep up the tradition to enjoy better-tasting tea.