Traditional Handicrafts Under The Protection Of ICH

Since the cultural project for the safeguarding of Chinese intangible cultural heritage was launched, more attention has been paid to the macroscopic aspect, while little thorough research has been conducted on a specific project. As the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage will eventually be based on project safeguarding, it is important and urgent for the thorough data compilation and research of a specific project. Beijing lacquer ware carving craft which was included on the Chinese intangible cultural heritage list in 2006 is the epitome of good material and sound workmanship in the history of Chinese traditional craftsmanship; thus is representative as a case study.The safeguarding of Chinese intangible cultural heritage gives us a chance to think about the modern value of Chinese traditional culture and the possible contribution of Chinese culture to the future of mankind. Therefore, looking to the future benefits of conserving tradition it is important to direct our attention to the study of safeguarding Beijing lacquer ware carving craft.This paper will begin by illustrating the historical origins of the current situation of Beijing lacquer ware carving craft. It will proceed to show the formation and development of the art's cultural characteristics and technical skills which have been uncovered from granular ancient records. The first carved lacquer ware appeared in Wei and Jin Dynasties, a turning period for lacquer wares to develop in depth from that of a simple plane. During the Tang and Song Dynasties the intervention of the literati formed the tone of the craft's cultural characteristics. While in the Yuan Dynasty the language of lacquer ware carving craft gradually matured. This was based on abundant production, competitive products and the works of acclaimed masters of the art.The craft, promoted by imperial needs, entered a period of great prosperity in the Qing Dynasty. After the Opium War, the weakness of traditional culture and the influence of industrialization led to the gradual erosion of cultural heritage. Lacquer ware carving craft suffered embarrassment, becoming endangered in the field of "material" and questioned in the field of"nonmaterial". Hence, this paper argues that the elegant and luxurious appearance of carved lacquer wares requires the nourishing of both material and culture; high-level craftsmanship principally originates from the need for high-quality state gifts; the formation of cultural characteristics depends primarily on the intervention of the literati group; and the fundamental reason that has led to the endangered lacquer ware carving craft is cultural unloading.Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was brought forward by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2003. Chinese government thereupon launched the cultural project of the safeguarding of Chinese intangible cultural heritage. In this new stage, the development of Beijing lacquer ware carving craft should be regarded with new cultural perspectives, new visual requirements and new values. This paper investigates and records the production units, production staffs and production circulation conditions of Beijing lacquer ware carving craft. These records are not only the study of traditional lacquer ware carving craft, but also provides understanding of the craft's current situation of inheritance and development.Finally, on the basis of survey and study, this paper puts forward some practical safeguarding solutions mainly focused on the inheritance and management of the craft, such as providing grants to young heritor by the government to resolve hereditary crisis; enlisting the aid of social enterprises to help the continuation of inheritance subjects; and effectively accelerating the development of Beijing lacquer ware carving craft.Civilization is an on-going process. Our duty is to hand down the precious traditional craftsmanship behind the art of Beijing lacquer ware carving from generation to generation, so as to safeguard intangible cultural heritage.