Showcasing talent

Xing Chunyan and her colleagues were offering a demonstration of traditional wooden comb craftsmanship, captivating an audience keen on understanding the artistry behind these delicate pieces at the China Cultural Center in Paris. The combs, adorned with hand-inlaid shells, shimmered under the lights, showcasing a level of craftsmanship that is both practical and beautiful.

Xing, 49, who's physically challenged, carefully demonstrated the intricate process of fitting the individual teeth into the comb — an innovation that allows damaged teeth to be replaced, unlike older designs carved from a single block of wood.

Amid the vibrant backdrop of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, a quiet yet significant cultural exchange took place. On Sept 3, the China Cultural Center in Paris opened an exhibition titled Beautiful Crafts Workshop Blooming in Paris to celebrate the artistry of women with physical challenges.

The three-day event showcases nearly 300 handcrafted pieces from more than 30 "Beautiful Crafts" workshops across China, including Guangdong, Shandong and Hebei provinces. The collection features an array of traditional crafts including silk figurines, cloth tigers, fishskin paintings, wooden combs, carvings and ceramics.

Shining a light

This exhibition not only marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, but also strengthens cultural ties between the two nations. It shines a light on the creative contributions of women, offering a poignant reminder of the power of art to transcend borders, bringing communities together.

Representatives from five workshops traveled to Paris to showcase their craftsmanship. Among them was Xing, an employee of Tan Mujiang, a Chongqing-based brand renowned for its handcrafted wooden combs.

"In the factory, I've experienced a different kind of care — there's no discrimination, no inequality. Everyone gets along harmoniously and I feel a strong sense of warmth," Xing says. "I've found dignity and confidence in this work and I can support myself."

Xing has worked with the company for 22 years and met her husband, also a worker with physical challenges, through their adjacent roles on the production line. She and her husband have bought an apartment and a car and are living a fulfilling life.

Dai Dan, another employee from Tan Mujiang, led a team of eight employees, including Xing, to Paris for the exhibition. According to her, more than 300 of the 700 workers at their factory are people with physical challenges. "We assign roles based on the specific abilities of our employees, allowing them to maximize their potential. For example, workers with hearing impairments are assigned to noisy environments where the sound doesn't affect them," Dai says.

The wooden comb brand has grown to own more than 1,000 stores across China and abroad, with overseas locations in the United States, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia. By bringing its products to Paris, Dai hopes to introduce the artistry of Chinese crafts to the French.

Women of courage

Cheng Kai, head of the Chinese Paralympic delegation and chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, emphasized the significance of the artworks on display at the exhibition, crafted by Chinese women with physical challenges from remote and rural areas.

"These pieces embody the traditional virtues of Chinese women, diligence, wisdom, courage and resilience, and the modern spirit of independence and perseverance among women with disabilities," Cheng says.

He notes that the exhibition would not be possible without the advancements in rights for people with physical challenges and the support from national policies and societal care. "Through this exhibition, we aim to provide a true insight into China and highlight the aspirations and unique lives of Chinese women with physical challenges during the Paris Paralympics," he adds.

The "Beautiful Crafts Workshop" initiative, launched by the China Disabled Persons' Federation and the All-China Women's Federation, supports local and home-based employment for women with physical challenges through craftsmanship.

Cheng announced that by 2025, they plan to establish 100 model workshops to employ 10,000 women with special needs.

He also calls for global cooperation to support these women, to enhance rights for people with special needs, and to improve lives worldwide, urging nations to focus on employing and empowering them.

At the exhibition opening, China's Ambassador to France Lu Shaye praised the event as a showcase of China's commitment to individuals with disabilities. The exhibition, highlighting the government's dedication, the involvement of Chinese enterprises and the resilience of women with special needs, marks a significant moment for cultural exchange between China and France, he says.

Lu says that China has made great progress in services for this group through enhanced legal protections and improved societal conditions, significantly boosting the well-being of individuals with special needs.

"The Paris Olympics and Paralympics have provided a unique opportunity to strengthen China-France relations," Lu says.

Zhang Haidi, president of Rehabilitation International and former chairperson of China Disabled Persons' Federation, says that "the pursuit of beauty transcends disabilities, empowering women to overcome challenges and thrive".

Stephane Galerneau, president of Ateliers d'Art de France, highlighted the transformative power of artisanal craftsmanship, underscoring its crucial role in fostering creativity, sustainability and precision. He emphasized that these qualities are essential for advancing the economic, cultural and tourism sectors.

"At this exhibition, we will not only see the inclusivity that craft techniques have brought to society but also reinforce ties between China and France," Galerneau says.

Connected by sports

As a representative of China's "Beautiful Crafts Workshop", Tang Zhanxin shared her journey with the initiative at the Paris exhibition.

She was a leader of the bouquet team that made the handcrafted bouquets given to medalists at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

"Out of the 1,251 bouquets given at the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics, 500 were made by us, created by the hands of more than 150 people with disabilities," Tang recalls.

The Winter Games showcased the skill and artistry of Chinese women with special needs and generated numerous orders for crocheted flowers, significantly boosting the women's income, according to Tang.

Tang, who uses a wheelchair, and her team brought a collection of exquisite crocheted flower creations to Paris and made bouquets for members of the Chinese Paralympic delegation.

"We traveled from Beijing to romantic Paris with our beautiful products," Tang says. "Our visit is not only to support Chinese athletes up close but also to seek further business opportunities.

"We hope that our flowers will shine at the Paralympics and gain international recognition, allowing the world to see the wisdom and talents of women with special needs."

At the exhibition, a distinctive collection of items highlighted the intersection of art and accessibility, showcasing designs inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Among the featured works was a popular line of aromatherapy products, including candles and scents that had sold out during last year's Hangzhou Asian Para Games held in Zhejiang province.

Xu Ke, a 23-year-old with a hearing impairment, is the designer of the best-selling products. While studying at Zhejiang Vocational College of Special Education last year, Xu's design for Meitong Aroma, a Zhejiang-based company, was selected as official merchandise for the Asian Para Games. After graduation, she transitioned to a full-time role with the company.

Shi Xiaoyan, head of Meitong Aroma, explains that the company's collaboration with the vocational college is aimed at fostering student creativity through social practice projects. Notably, 10 percent of the revenue from these products is donated to charitable causes.

"Last year's Asian Para Games merchandise was entirely designed by students with physical challenges," Shi says.

"From the first inspirations to engravings and fragrance designs by students with visual impairments, we strive to help these talented individuals realize their dreams through their craft."