Silk Threadwrapping Flower Apprentice

*All conversations published have gained the consent of speakers.

    Dayu (her alias) was one of the very first intangible cultural heritage artists I met. I was astounded by her art form, Chanhua, or Silk Threadwrapping flower, which requires hours of dedication to wrapping silk threads around a metal frame to create three-dimensional paintings. She is an enthusiast-turned-apprentice whose intangible cultural heritage story is similar to many of her peers—worrying about her dying craft and its lack of a market. Dayu’s story is a bit different, though: she introduces me to her and her peers’ efforts to modernize this art form.

Traditional threadwrapping flower, by artist Guofen Zeng

A modern threadwrapping flower done in traditional style

    “Well, some people are definitely trying to go the traditional path,” she gestured for me to look at the picture above; she keeps a whole album of threadwrapping flowers in her phone for inspiration. “Certain customers love that look and want to return to older times.”

   “I feel like most of the threadwrapping flowers I’ve seen you make are different, though,” I pointed out, “in a good way!”

   “Yeah, compared to the traditional, high-hued colors, some apprentices, including me, are trying to appeal to the younger generation,” she shows me another picture. “Look at how this rose is candy-hued; it’s gentler and easier to wear outside. Some girls in the Lolita and Hanfu Revolutionist cultures might wear them with their costumes. That’s why artisans make a gold pin, which is under the rose—so it goes into their hair more easily.”

Candy-hued Rose, unknown artist

Hydrangea headpieces, made by Lingyuanji (“泠渊集”) Shop

    She flips to the next. “The same is true with this picture. The colors and delicacy remind me of a Rococo painting. Ah! That’s why these must go with the Western Lolita style.”

    “That’s so cool. I’ve also noticed a trend in using pearls—why pearls in particular? Why not other gems?” I ask.

    Dayu smiles at me. “First of all, pearls are definitely more accessible. The ones that aren’t superb in quality aren’t that expensive but are still pretty to use. Rather than using plastic, I’d prefer my clients to be adorned with pearls. Second, their elegance goes with various styles, whether an extremely traditional look or a more modern one. Classy never goes wrong.”

    “Are there any of your works that aren’t flowers? Or, are threadwrapping flowers only limited to flowers?”

    “No, definitely not. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with leaves and scenery-related subjects,” She shows me some gradient maple leaves and an artistic, hollowed-out version of ginkgo leaves. She then shows me a clever, minimalist jade-colored mountain, made with only a few pieces, and another hair-embellishment depicting a moon on a rising sea.

Gradient maple leaves made by Dayu herself

Moon rising above waves, also made by Dayu

    She continues, “I also have know other people experimenting with various styles. One girl is making these incredibly complex birds.”

Phoenix by artist Yaya has a cat (“鸭鸭有只猫”)

    I let out an “Awwww.” I loved birds, and that swallow was both an artistic masterpiece and a master at melting my heart.

    “See? That’s why people buy [the friend’s] crafts even though they’re cumbersome on one’s head,” Dayu chuckles. “She is a great artist, though. I don’t have the patience to make that big a project. This other girl, too, is trying to put traditional flowers together.”

Bouquet by artist Scissor Mochi Balls (“剪刀小团子”)

    I looked closely at the picture she showed me. Yes, the bouquet now looks very modern and fashionable, with a variety of different shapes assembled together, clashing with but also echoing each other in color and form. “Your patience and creativity is incredible. I wish I could be like you,” I said.

    “It is arduous work endlessly wrapping silk threads, and I do get tired,” she admitted, “but worth it every minute.”