Beijing Silk Figurines
Updated: 2007-06-27 08:45
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 mainly 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 customs. For a long time, Beijing silk figurines have been greatly valued and highly appreciated as collector's items.
An ardent female artist
Cui Xin is a Beijing silk figurine artist who has been engaged in the craft for more than 20 years. The subjects of her works are mainly maidens from royal courts, talented scholars and beautiful women (often heroes and heroines from traditional Chinese romances), as well as gods and Buddha. Cui Xin also molds modern figurines, representing people from ethnic minorities and famous foreigners.
Physically disabled due to infantile paralysis at the age of two, Cui was unable to pursue her schooling, but she continued her hobby of making silk figurines. Later, Cui mastered the procedure when she worked in a factory that produced artistic human figurines.
