Material:silk and gauze

Origin:Beijing

Craft:handmade by traditional craftsmen


Beijing silk figurines originated in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and have a history of more than 1,000 years. Silk figurines produced in Beijing are a Chinese traditional handicraft. Folk cloth-pinpricked and color-pricked toys and other handicrafts are all closely connected with handcrafting silk figurines.

In terms of materials, the heads of foreign figurines are made of gesso, clay and wood, while Beijing silk figurines are all made of Chinese silk from head to toe -- their facial expressions, clothing and postures all tinged with the Chinese flavor.

Beijing silk figurines usually represent young men and women in Chinese folktales, traditional dramas and ethnic dancers. The subjects are primaryly characters from folk stories loved by China's common people, including ancient beauties, dramatic figurines and modern dancers.

The making of the figurines involves a dozen steps, including sculpting, painting, designing clothing and props, and arranging the hair and headgears. Each step requires sophisticated techniques and ingenious craftsmanship. Usually, the face and hands of a silk figurine are made of natural silk, while the other parts are made from fine silk cloth.

From head to toe, inside and out, only top quality Chinese silk and spun gauzes are used to make these craftworks.

The graceful and colorful Beijing silk figurines are exquisitely made, each with a different expression, bright colors and an elegant style. They are not only a rare specimen for indoor ornamentation, but also a stereoscopic piece for understanding Chinese history, local conditions and Tailor-mades. For a long time, Beijing silk figurines have been greatly valued and highly appreciated as collector's items.

Rich Artistic Connotation & Historical Background:

"This artwork is a beautifully crafted small Beijing silk statuette named "The Beautiful Empress in the Palace."

It showcases the reverence and praise for royal women in traditional Chinese culture.

The piece is made from high-quality Beijing silk and features exquisite craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail.

Visually, the statuette exudes an elegant and regal image.

Its head is gold, eyes are black, nose is red, and mouth is pink.

These color choices align with the traditional image of royal women.

Additionally, the statuette wears a magnificent crown adorned with intricate decorations.

Beyond its beauty, this artwork carries profound cultural significance.

It represents the status and power of ancient Chinese royal women.

In ancient China, royal women were often assigned important political and social roles, and their beauty and wisdom were frequently used to symbolize national prosperity and stability.

Therefore, this statuette is not only a work of art but also a symbol and inheritance of culture.

In conclusion, the handmade Beijing silk statuette "The Beautiful Empress in the Palace" possesses both aesthetic appeal and rich cultural connotations and historical significance.

It is a precious part of traditional Chinese culture and an object of appreciation and collection for people."

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