Young craftspeople recognized at Beijing exhibition

The Red Star Cup, an exhibition of the work of young artisans involved in making Beijing's eight imperial handicrafts, opened at the Beijing Arts and Design Technology Institute's training center in Caofeidian, Hebei province, on Oct 15.

It is being hosted by the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel and the Beijing Arts and Crafts Industry Association and will run until Nov 15.

The exhibition seeks to encourage participants to blend modern design concepts and techniques with the essence of traditional craftsmanship, to create pieces that reflect contemporary aesthetics while preserving traditional beauty.

Also known as the yanjing bajue, the capital's eight imperial handicrafts include gold lacquer inlay, metal filigree inlay, cloisonne, jade carving, carved lacquerware, Beijing embroidery, and palace carpets.

There are 440 entries, including 119 jade carvings, 82 cloisonne pieces, 39 lacquer carvings, 59 gold lacquer inlays, 70 floral wire inlays, 48 embroideries, and two palace carpets on display from around 20 art institutions from around the country. The creators are all students or recent graduates.

A panel of experts reviewed the entries. Fifty-three won gold awards, 65 won silver awards, 89 won bronze awards, and 230 were given excellence awards. Trophies and honor certificates were presented to the winners, and to outstanding instructors.