Hebei · Traditional arts
Yuxian paper-cutting
Discover how a window decoration is made through knife cutting and applied colour.
Explore this practiceCHINESE LIVING HERITAGE
One Flame.
All Lands.
The Flame Journal (薪火志) introduces Chinese living heritage in Chinese and English through crafts, people and everyday practices, with sources for further checking.
How is a skill learned and passed on? What materials, methods and everyday practices lie behind an object? We start with these specific questions. First understand, then check the evidence. When an object catches your attention, find out who made it and where it is sold.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT LIVES ON薪火志
BEGIN WITH A QUESTION
How does a craft become part of everyday life?
IN THIS EDITION
Paper, thread and clay
Jiangsu · Traditional arts
Suzhou embroidery
Follow stitches and silk thread to understand different forms of expression in Suzhou embroidery.
Explore this practiceJiangsu · Traditional craftsmanship
Yixing zisha pottery-making
From clay slabs to vessel shapes, observe how zisha pottery is formed.
Explore this practiceJOURNAL / 01CRAFT & DAILY LIFE
FROM MUSEUM ACCOUNTS
Before the fabric, there is a world of work.
Mulberry growing, silkworm raising, reeling, dyeing and weaving. Follow a historical museum account through the work behind the fabric.
Read the story →FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
A practice, a person, or an object?
Different claims need different evidence. Start by checking what a record recognises.
Learn to read a record ↗UNDERSTAND BEFORE BUYING
An object catches your eye. What should you ask?
Ask separately about materials, makers, sellers and delivery terms.
Six questions before ordering ↗