Hefeng Changsheng · Intangible Cultural Heritage China Inheritance Conference

On October 21, the "Heritage China Inheritance Conference" sponsored by Beijing Enamel Factory and Beijing Design Society was successfully held at Yanqi Lake in Beijing. The highlight of this conference was the Cloisonné artwork "Everlasting Lotus Blossoms, Chinese Jubilation" produced by Beijing Enamel Factory, which attracted art and cultural leaders, experts, and scholars to explore the inheritance and development of China's intangible cultural heritage in the new era.

Background

2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the "Belt and Road" Initiative and the concept of "a community with a shared future for mankind". To commemorate these two important milestones, Beijing Enamel Factory organized a team of master craftsmen to create the Cloisonné artwork "Everlasting Lotus Blossoms, Chinese Jubilation". The artwork was jointly completed by Chinese masters of arts and crafts, Zhong Liansheng, Zhang Tiecheng, Yuan Changjun, and national gift designer Wang Jiafei. It uses traditional art to express contemporary themes and pays tribute to the "Belt and Road" Initiative and the concept of "a community with a shared future for mankind".

Features of the artwork

The 'China Xi' in the 'He Feng Chang Sheng' is themed on harmony and demonstrates the idea of world peace, integrating the world feelings of arts and crafts masters. The work is themed on three lotus leaves, three lotus flowers, and a lotus root, expressing the cycle of life and the power of continuous existence. The work adopts various intangible cultural heritage techniques such as cloisonne enamel, flower wire inlay, carving, gem inlay, and jade carving, giving the work a more vivid image and profound artistic connotation.

Details of the shape

The work is composed of several sections of cloisonne lotus roots, three lotus leaves, and three lotus flowers. The hand-carved lotus leaves are delicate and exquisite, showing the different stages of lotus life, symbolizing the great journey of the vigorous development of the motherland and the constant prosperity of the great cause. Thousands of flower wire inlaid lotus flowers are in different states of blooming, implying the auspiciousness of China in the new era and the spirit of constant prosperity in the lotus wind. The cloisonne lotus roots are mainly in the color of Chinese red, decorated with seasonal flower patterns, showing the meaning of flowers blooming in all seasons and the Chinese imprint of auspiciousness.

The jade carving part

In order to demonstrate the unique temperament and vivid image of lotus in the artwork, Master Jade Carver Zhang Tiecheng adopted Hetian jade carving techniques to present the lotus nodes and lotus tips. The design of nine holes in the front part of the lotus node symbolizes longevity, blessings, and offspring. The jade-carved lotus nodes complement the golden filigree, showcasing the perfect fusion of gold and jade. The lifelike shape of the lotus tip vividly restores its natural form, symbolizing the new development and eternal harmony in the new era of the country. The appearance of this cloisonné artwork showcases the charm of China's intangible cultural heritage to more than 140 countries and more than 30 international organizations attending the Belt and Road Summit.

Expert Opinions

Experts believe that the Belt and Road Initiative has brought together leaders from many countries around the world, promoting interconnection and cultural exchange among countries. Over the past decade, Beijing Enamel Factory has created many state gift artworks, showcasing the leading role of cloisonné in China's intangible cultural heritage. The emergence of this cloisonné artwork not only showcases the charm of China's intangible cultural heritage, but also marks a new starting point for the development of cloisonné culture.