Celebrating old arts in new forms

The unique artistic craftsmanship is based on Ye's innovation theory proposed after over 50 years of exploration: to use the composition of Chinese painting and calligraphy as the creation's framework, to employ the thickness and arrangement of silk threads to render the texture of objects, and to recreate the light and shadow effects of ink wash painting through the gradual layering of over 200 shades of silk threads in similar hues.

"Being an artisan requires passion, dedication, patience, and persistence. We usually work about eight hours a day to complete a section of a silk embroidery piece about the size of a fingernail.

"But with my hands and craft, I'm able to express myself and keep these unique works in this world, in a form that will remain forever. I'm happy and grateful for that," says Jiang, who has been devoted to the craft for nearly two decades.

Focused on reproducing ancient painted masterpieces, Ye and Jiang are continuing on their adventure. In recent years, Shanghai silk embroidery has also collaborated with various partners in fashion, home furnishings and cultural and creative industries, launching haute couture garments, designs for national gifts and new Chinese-style lifestyle products.

Held alongside the 48th World-Skills Competition in Shanghai, the expo brought together a wide range of skills and craftsmanship from across China's provinces and cities, where ice sculptures and ice-engraved painting from Northeast China's Heilongjiang province drew large crowds.