Material:silk and gauze

Origin:Beijing

Craft:handmade by traditional craftsmen

Origin:Peking

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:   Listen to it

This artwork is a large, handcrafted Beijing silk doll named "Song Dynasty Empress".

It depicts an important female figure in Chinese history, the Song Empress.

The doll is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous details, showcasing the charm of ancient Chinese culture.

The Song Empress was the first female emperor of the Song Dynasty, and during her reign, she implemented numerous reforms and policies that had a profound impact on the country's development.

Her image is portrayed as a noble and elegant woman, dressed in luxurious garments and adorned with jewelry and headdresses.

These details reflect her status and power.

The process of creating this doll is intricate and involves several steps.

Firstly, the artist selects suitable materials such as Beijing silk, which has a long-standing tradition in Chinese history.

Then, they design the doll based on the image of the Song Empress and use various tools and techniques to create the body, head, and other details.

Finally, they decorate and embellish the doll to make it more lifelike and vivid.

This doll is not just an artwork; it also carries the memories of history and the inheritance of culture.

By appreciating and studying such artworks, we can gain a better understanding of Chinese history and culture and feel the spiritual connotations and values embedded within them.

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