Material:silk and gauze

Origin:Beijing

Craft:handmade by traditional craftsmen

Origin:Peking

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:

The artwork is a large, handcrafted Beijing silk doll named "Qing Palace Empress."

This doll represents an important female figure in Chinese history.

The doll serves as a representation of the empresses who were the spouses of the emperors during the Qing Dynasty, symbolizing the dignity and power of the imperial family.

Its exquisite craftsmanship and detailed design showcase the unique charm of ancient Chinese art.

The name "Qing Palace Empress" implies the doll's connection to the Qing Dynasty royal family.

The Qing Dynasty was the last feudal dynasty in China, ruling from 1644 to 1912.

During this period, the wife of the emperor was referred to as the empress, and they played significant roles in political and social life.

This doll may have been created to commemorate or display the historical status and influence of the Qing empresses.

The doll's material is Beijing silk, a high-quality silk fabric often used to create opulent clothing and decorative items.

Beijing silk is renowned for its softness, smoothness, and durability, and it is considered one of the representative examples of traditional Chinese handicrafts.

By selecting this material for the doll, the artists demonstrate their respect and appreciation for traditional techniques and craftsmanship.

In summary, the large, handcrafted Beijing silk doll named "Qing Palace Empress" holds both artistic value and historical significance.

It showcases the lives and values of the imperial family in ancient China while reminding us to cherish and preserve our cultural heritage.

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