Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts, namely Jingtailan (Cloisonne), Carved Lacquer, Jade Carving, Palace Carpet, Gold Lacquer Inlaid, Filigree Inlaid Metal Art, Ivory Carving, and Beijing Embroidery, once reached the art peak of handicraft in ancient China when they were used only by the Royal family. 

Thanks to the efforts of generations of masters, those handicrafts have been preserved well and given a new life. 

Let's walk into the studios of those masters to see how they work on their art.

Beijing palace carpet is a splendid example of China's traditional carpet weaving techniques. Known for its intricate production processes and beautiful patterns, the palace carpet represents the pinnacle of Chinese weaving artistry. 

This photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows a detail of a palace carpet displayed at the studio of Ji Yu in Beijing, capital of China.  (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

The production involves four main steps: dyeing with traditional Chinese herbs, pattern designing, weaving and shaping, and finally, finishing touches. The art of palace carpet was designated as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

This photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows the details of a palace carpet displayed at the studio of Ji Yu in Beijing, capital of China.  (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Ji Yu shows the details of a palace carpet at her studio in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024.  (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

Ji Yu draws a pattern for a palace carpet at her studio in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024.  (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

Ji Yu, born in 1971 in central China's Henan Province, has dedicated over 30 years to the repair and creation of traditional palace carpets. In 1995, along with her husband Li Dongyang, she moved to Beijing to specialize in restoring ancient carpets.

Ji Yu poses for a photo with her husband Li Dongyang at her studio in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024.  (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Ji Yu's husband Li Dongyang arranges palace carpets at her studio in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024.  (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

Ji Yu's husband Li Dongyang repairs a palace carpet at her studio in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024.  (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

Ji Yu shows a palace carpet at her studio in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024.  (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

Over the years, the couple has insisted on traditional dyeing and weaving techniques. During the process of repairing ancient carpets, they have found and mastered many long-lost ancient techniques. Last year, Ji Yu was accepted as an apprentice of Wang Guoying, a national-level inheritor of the palace carpet tradition.

This photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows the design pattern for a palace carpet displayed at the studio of Ji Yu in Beijing, capital of China.  (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Ji Yu (L) and Wang Guoying discuss on the design patterns for a palace carpet in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

This photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows a palace carpet displayed at the studio of Ji Yu in Beijing, capital of China.  (Xinhua/Tian Weiwei)

Ji Yu's husband Li Dongyang (L) repairs a palace carpet with Wang Guoying standing by at Ji Yu's studio in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024.  (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Ji Yu's daughter shows a palace carpet at Ji Yu's studio in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024.  (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

Source: Xinhua
Editor: Lyu Yun