Changzhou Traditional Arts: Centuries-Old Intangible Heritages
Changzhou’s traditional arts are honed by generations of artisans, merging practicality with aesthetic elegance. Recognized as national or municipal intangible cultural heritages, they embody the city’s refined craftsmanship.
Changzhou Comb-Making
Originated in the Wei-Jin period (220–420 AD), involving 72.5 delicate processes (from material selection to carving);
Exquisite combs (adorned with patterns like peonies or landscapes) were once tributes to imperial courts.
Green Bamboo Carving
A technique using the outer green layer of bamboo to create intricate patterns (poems, landscapes, figures);
Known for its “light, thin, and delicate” style, with works collected in national museums.
Random-Stitched Embroidery
- Invented by Changzhou artisan Yang Shouyu in the 1920s, featuring overlapping threads to create 3D, vivid images (often depicting landscapes or portraits);
- A unique fusion of traditional embroidery and Western painting techniques.
