Mother-of-pearls by Qingdao company big hit with consumers

A company in the Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) that specializes in manufacturing mother-of-pearl decorations has been ramping up production in anticipation of the upcoming "Double Eleven" shopping festival.

One of their popular products is a mother-of-pearl lacquer crafted using exquisite inlay techniques.

Mother-of-pearl decorations are delicate pieces that are intricately carved from the mother-of-pearl found in shells. These elegant ornaments are then inlaid onto various objects.

The shells' mother-of-pearl is often polished into intricate figures, floral and avian designs, as well as patterns and characters.

The mother-of-pearl inlay techniques originated in the Shang (c. 16th century-11th century BC) and Zhou (c. 11th century-256 BC) dynasties. They matured in the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties before reaching the peak in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

The distinctive feature of mother-of-pearl decoration lacquerware is its colorfastness, making it a unique traditional art treasure of China. In 2022, the Qingdao Mother-of-Pearl Decoration Technique was included in the district-level intangible cultural heritage.

A live broadcast showcases mother-of-pearl decorative lacquerware at Qingdao Yibeibeiyi Art Trade Co Ltd, a manufacturing company located in Qingdao West Coast New Area. [Photo/Xihaian News]

"In recent years, there has been a growing interest in traditional Chinese culture, and an increasing number of people are willing to purchase cultural and creative products that are connected to intangible cultural heritage and handcrafts," said Chen Maoqiang, chairman of Qingdao Yibeibeiyi Art Trade Co Ltd.

"Last year, we sold 4,000 pieces during the 'Double Eleven' shopping festival. This year, we have already stocked over 10,000 pieces," he added.