Discover Gorgeous Chinese Silk Figurines With A Personal Shopper In Beijing
An exquisite art form in Beijing, China, and with a history of thousands of years, silk figurines are one of the most popular traditional Chinese artwork tourist like to buy as gift. Developed from an ancient tradition of silk making, silk figurines are said to perfectly demonstrate the essence of silk - grace, elegance, and a unique sense of high class.
Most works are created based on famous characters from ancient Chinese legends and plays, with an emphasis on demonstrating their unique personalities and spiritual qualities by showing their most unique expressions and decorating them with appropriate clothing items. An art that was almost lost during the Sino-Japanese war in 1930s, it quickly re-gained its previous level of popularity after it was revived in the 1950s, and is now one of the most loved items offered in the gift shops in Beijing. Unless you’re a Beijing tour guide, you need to go on a Beijing day tour to discover the exquisite silk figurines in the city’s spectacular local shops.
In a sense, Chinese silk figurines represent a highest form of feminine beauty highly appreciated in eastern Asian cultural sphere. Delicate body, smooth skin, exquisite hair, and cute faces are only physical features made possible by the delicate properties of silk itself. Elegant movements of hands, appealing expressions that seem to have more than one meaning, and attractive eyes that are at times remote and cold, and at times sparkling and warm, are an excellent demonstration of how an ideal form of feminine beauty is viewed by eastern Asian people, a form of beauty that has been exemplified by the many well-known female characters from ancient Chinese legends and plays.
Not surprisingly, silk figurine, though not as famous as other major Chinese art forms like painting or porcelain, nonetheless became one of collectors’ favorite items, who considered it as an excellent presentation of ancient Chinese culture, art, and aesthetic ideas.
Though the evidence of silk figurines existing before the Tang dynasty is sparse, it is generally believed this art form has a history almost as long as the production of silk. According to some experts, some of the oldest embroidered items must have been silk figurines used as a type of home ornament. The earliest works discovered are from a Tang dynasty tomb found in Xinjiang province, which include figurines of imperial court dancers and eunuchs. The most memorable features of dancers are their elaborate dresses and hair decorations, and the eunuchs are noted for their very vivid facial expressions.
During the Song dynasty, Chinese people began to widely use multi-color, elaborately-made silk figurines in important ceremonies, a tradition that would continue into the late Qing dynasty. In the early 20th century, this art was completely lost in the Sino-Japanese war. Fortunately, it was revived by some Beijing artists in the 1950s.
Beautiful silk figurines are offered in many amazing local shops in Beijing. When you are in the city, remember to find a Personal Shopper in Beijing to take you to the best shops with the best products.