A polished portfolio

The Hand of Wisdom program was founded in 2019, and each year focuses on a specific field of traditional Chinese handicrafts and selects one young Chinese craftsperson to support.

The first two editions focused on the crafts of felt-making and metalworking. This year, the organizers chose the ancient craft of lacquerware, as China has a long history of using the material.

Christine Cayol, founder of Yishu 8, says the program aims to seek Chinese craftsmen who have a lot of creative potential. "If the craftsman goes to France, he will learn a lot about French culture and it will enrich him and help to foster his own style and creativity," she says.