Exhibition till 8.2.2009 at apm
Artists: Xu Yanfeng (the creator of Hebei Yongqing kaoliang straw sculptures) and Xu Jingjing and Xu Jiankao
'Using excellent “kaoliang" straw, the famous "Yongqing binding and chiselling" works are artifacts made by hand with tools such as calipers, scissors, awls, knives, bamboo prods and oil lamps. Ranging from the traditional grasshopper cage and straw lantern to imitation of ancient architectural models, the works are always extremely delicate and exquisite' ("Heritage Museum introduces the intangible cultural heritage of China", Press release as of 2008.12.20, Hong Kong Heritage Museum). http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ppr_release_det2.php?id=864
It was reported that this special traditional craftsmanship was confirmed as one of the items listed under national intangible cultural heritage in China last year. Kaoliang straws are usually used as feedstuff and fuel, but the artists creatively use them as materials for straw sculptures for about fifty years. According to traditional Chinese architecture, the sculptures are assembled by fitting into each other the junctions of different sections. No adhesive or nails are required, and doors and windows are even movable. The exhibits showed at the apm shopping mall include an ox figure, Beijing siheyuan (Chinese quadrangles), paifang (Chinese archway), hexagonal pavilion, pagoda, and the “Watchtower of the Imperial Palace” which is made of 60 thousand kaoliang stalks. The interview with Xu Jingjing and Xu Jiankao by Hungjie, writer of Ta Kung Pao, can be found at http://www.takungpao.com.hk/news/09/01/14/images_0712-1018308.htm
When I visited the shopping mall on 27.2.2009.Tue, many people crowded the exhibition venue in the concourse. With other Lunar New Year decorations shown around, six exhibits were displayed in five glass cases, in which most of them were below eye level. It certainly caused difficultie
s or blocked people to look inside the structure of each article. Also, there was lack of exposition of this special craftsmanship as well as the size, production time, and number of stalks used for each article. People found no way to know more about these incredible works on site, and appreciably, they preferred taking photos with the fancy oxen and the giant peach blossom.
s or blocked people to look inside the structure of each article. Also, there was lack of exposition of this special craftsmanship as well as the size, production time, and number of stalks used for each article. People found no way to know more about these incredible works on site, and appreciably, they preferred taking photos with the fancy oxen and the giant peach blossom.
