Revival of ancient arts: Craft blossoms in modern age

As a country with a rich history and splendid civilization, China has witnessed the passing down of numerous forms of intangible cultural heritage which continue to flourish today. China Daily recently launched the documentary series Revival of Ancient Arts, filming inheritors and modern artists who are dedicated to preserving and reviving ancient arts.

Ronghua, or velvet flowers that are made of silk and copper wire, hold a rich historical legacy in China. The tradition of wearing velvet flowers is believed to date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the artistic flowers were once offered as a tribute to the imperial court. The intangible cultural heritage of velvet flower making has been passed down through the generations, preserving its timeless artistry. The second episode of the documentary series focuses on the efforts of a velvet flower master and a young artisan who have inherited the traditional technique and integrated the craftsmanship into modern life.

In this episode, inheritors from Nanjing of East China's Jiangsu province, one of the birthplaces of velvet flower production, showcase the process of crafting velvet flowers, share their endeavors in advancing this traditional handicraft and their dedication to preserving and reviving the ancient technique.