Learning new skills of old craft

Liu Yixin, a folk craft master, teaches Barbola (duixiu) in Beijing, Dec 18, 2012. Laid-off workers get training in the traditional craft of Barbola, or duixiu, at Xinjiekou community of Xicheng District, in Beijing. Master folk artists volunteered to teach the community folk skills, and about 200 residents have attended the workshop since it opened last year. Barbola originates from Thangka art in Tibetan Buddhism and court embroidery. It has centuries of history. It uses diverse materials and complicated techniques, featuring folk tales, characters, animals, flowers and auspicious patterns. [Photo/Xinhua]