Chinese Arts and Crafts

A Note on Chinese Arts and Crafts ,Jade carving is rather expensive but for those who wish to buy some exquisitely carved jade there are several workshops. Be aware that jade is a hard stone, there for it is Very difficult to carve and intricate designs can demand a high price. Cloisonne or enamel-work is an ancient art form peculiar to Beijing, dating back to the 15th century. Price varies from a few yuan to several thousands. It is painted in brilliant colors over thin copper, over which the delicate patterns are laid-out in fine copper ire filled with colored enamel glaze. Paper cuts are very popular and are beautifully designed with flowers, birds, figures, and scenes from famous tales and stories. They are particularly popular around Spring Festival when they are used as window and door decorations. This folk art dates back to the Tang Dynasty. There are two styles, the northern style with sharp and forceful lines, and the southern style with delicate and more intricate lines.
Snuff bottles of all kinds of shapes and sizes can be purchased. Some are painted from inside with a tiny brush and a magnifying glass. Those not painted are made of either glass or semi-precious stones. One of the best stores to buy old snuff bottles is found in the Summer Palace, near the Marble Boat. The most spectacular brass pieces one may sec around Beijing streets are enormous brass tea pots and brassbound pots. The most famous brass shop is just off the crossroad of Tianqiao and Qianmen Street. Here you can buy a Mongolian hot pot for around 400 yuan or a giant teapot for 1,500 yuan. Not everything in the shop is for the kitchen, there are brass candlesticks, paperweights, and brush stands.