Yangzhou Jiangdu traditional filigree craft can be dated back to the Eastern and Western Han Dynasties more than 2,000 years ago. Mr Fang Xuebin is one of the inheritors of Yangzhou filigree craft – a national-level intangible heritage.
Mr Fang was born in 1956 in Jiangdu, Yangzhou. His family is famous for gold and stone art. For more than 30 years since he started his apprenticeship in Jiangdu Metal Craft Factory in his 20s, Mr Fang has dedicated entirely to the creation of metal crafts. His works not only sell well, but also won the highest honor of the arts and crafts in China – The Hundred Flower Award, which earned him the reputation and important status in the domestic metal crafts circle.
In the wake of the downturn of the metal craft industry in 1990s, many of his colleagues switched to other jobs. Bur Mr Fang was as resolved as he was. He believes that the market of filigree is huge, the artistic value of metal craft is still high, and is suitable for public collection. At present, only fewer than 10 people are still working in the industry. For years, Mr Fang has been appealing for the protection of the traditional crafts of filigree. And in 2008, finally, Yangzhou filigree has been appointed as one of the protected national-level intangible cultural heritage projects, and Mr Fang was approved to be the inheritor of this project. “Not things are getting better, but as to the future, I can’t say I am optimistic. Yangzhou filigree craft needs more attention and protection,” said Mr Fang.
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