Height: 12"

Material: Silk and gauze

Origin: Beijing

Handicraft: Handmade by top traditional craftsmen team

Beijing silk figurines originated in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and have a history of more than 1,000 years. Silk figurines produced in Beijing are a Chinese traditional handicraft. Folk cloth-pinpricked and color-pricked toys and other handicrafts are all closely connected with handcrafting silk figurines.
In terms of materials, the heads of foreign figurines are made of gesso, clay and wood, while Beijing silk figurines are all made of Chinese silk from head to toe -- their facial expressions, clothing and postures all tinged with the Chinese flavor.

Beijing silk figurines usually represent young men and women in Chinese folktales, traditional dramas and ethnic dancers. The subjects are primaryly characters from folk stories loved by China's common people, including ancient beauties, dramatic figurines and modern dancers.

The making of the figurines involves a dozen steps, including sculpting, painting, designing clothing and props, and arranging the hair and headgears. Each step requires sophisticated techniques and ingenious craftsmanship. Usually, the face and hands of a silk figurine are made of natural silk, while the other parts are made from fine silk cloth.

From head to toe, inside and out, only top quality Chinese silk and spun gauzes are used to make these craftworks.

The graceful and colorful Beijing silk figurines are exquisitely made, each with a different expression, bright colors and an elegant style. They are not only a rare specimen for indoor ornamentation, but also a stereoscopic piece for understanding Chinese history, local conditions and Tailor-mades. For a long time, Beijing silk figurines have been greatly valued and highly appreciated as collector's items.

Artistic & Historical Background: "The twelve beauties of the Red Chamber, a dream of eternal love."

This phrase is a tribute to the twelve female protagonists in the Chinese classic novel "Dream of the Red Chamber."

The novel is a masterpiece of Chinese literature, renowned for its rich characterizations, profound emotional depictions, and unique artistic style.

It has won countless readers' hearts over the years.

In the novel, the twelve women from the Jia family each have their own distinct personalities and fates, which intertwine to form a vivid historical tapestry.

Among them, Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, and Jia Yuanchun are representative figures.

Lin Daiyu is intelligent and witty, but her life is full of misfortune; Xue Baochai is virtuous and kind-hearted, deeply loved by all; Jia Yuanchun is the pearl of the Jia family, beautiful and intelligent.

These characters have had a profound impact on Chinese culture, and their stories have been passed down through the ages, becoming an integral part of traditional Chinese culture.

In addition to the novel itself, there are other cultural artifacts related to "Dream of the Red Chamber" that are worth exploring.

For example, silk products from Beijing and fans from Jinling both carry rich historical and cultural connotations.

These artifacts not only showcase the superb craftsmanship of ancient China but also reflect the customs, habits, and aesthetic values of the time.

By appreciating these artifacts, we can gain a better understanding of the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

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