Woodworking artisan strengthens cultural ties

"I like the idea of a cultural route between China and France having mutual enrichment. There is no better way to learn than by immersing yourself in a different culture — that's naturally how we began sponsoring the Yishu 8," says Laurent Boillot, CEO of Hennessy.

"We are not selecting the themes of the program. We follow Yishu 8's decisions. But I think we'll cover all the handicrafts that exist in China one after another. I hope to see great works in other forms and that the program will continue to feature the bridge between craftsmanship and creation."

Hua says that at the award ceremony on April 20, when Boillot announced that she won, she felt a bit dazed.

"On the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties, as an artisan of the new era, I'm very honored to be granted the Hand of Wisdom prize," she says.

"I look forward to seeing new vitality injected into traditional Chinese craftsmanship, embodied by the medium of wood, through Sino-French exchanges. I also hope that handicrafts, as a language unrestrained by borders, will translate ancient Eastern wisdom into contemporary life through design."

In 2016, Hua visited straw marquetry, lacquer and fine wood furniture workshops in Paris. She was amazed by the French artisans' application of design and color, as well as the seamless integration of craftsmanship with contemporary lifestyles.