Craft
Work that is still being done by hand, in the counties where the material happens to be.
Selected reading
- Kiln
Earth, Water, and Kiln Fire
Why does raw earth from riverbanks yield earthenware, unglazed stoneware, and luminous porcelain in different kilns?
Yixing · Jingdezhen · Jianyang - Indigo
Indigo Born of Wild Plants
How did traditional artisans employ mountain botanicals to create patterns of pristine blue and white?
Dali · Nantong · Foshan
All Craft topics
6 places · Documented field topics
Select a topic to explore
Handmade Paper from Forest and Stream
PaperWhy do rural handmade papermaking vats remain indispensable in an era of industrial paper production?
3 placesThe Art of Woven Bamboo
BambooHow do artisans transform rigid culms of bamboo into waterproof, flexible domestic vessels?
3 placesReeling Silk into Woven Light
SilkHow does a silkworm cocoon transform through boiling water, reeling, and Jacquard looms into luminous silk brocade?
3 placesIndigo Born of Wild Plants
IndigoHow did traditional artisans employ mountain botanicals to create patterns of pristine blue and white?
3 placesThe Patience of Natural Lacquer
LacquerWhy is natural Chinese lacquer considered one of the most demanding traditional applied arts?
4 placesEarth, Water, and Kiln Fire
KilnWhy does raw earth from riverbanks yield earthenware, unglazed stoneware, and luminous porcelain in different kilns?
5 places