Donghai craftsmen turn press-on nails into high-value art in Milan

"Unlike disposable options, these intricate press-on nails can be carefully removed, stored, and reused, making them a high-value alternative to traditional manicures done at a nail salon," Li notes.

According to a Chinese press-on nail company, a hand-painted set can range from hundreds to several thousand, of US dollars. A set inspired by the famous Chinese painting A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains is priced at $2,000. Some people have begun buying the nails as collectibles.

"I'm deeply drawn to Chinese press-on nail designs. I think this is something novel for Italy, since designs like these are rarely seen on the market here," said Italian fashion blogger Katerina Kutsak, adding that the motifs incorporating Chinese culture feel especially distinctive.

Behind the products on display in Milan is an industry that emerged around 2019, after investors discovered that small crystal stones could be attached to artificial nails. The industry expanded rapidly, drawing on Donghai's crystal resources. The county is globally recognized as a "world craft city for crystal".

Donghai has since become one of China's largest press-on nail production centers, with its products exported to over 30 countries and regions, according to the county government.

XINHUA