Handicraft works and Arts
When wandering in the town, traditional handicraft workshops are ubiquitous. The most popular one is a basket workshop called "YuanbaoLan". The baskets are all pure hand-made of bamboo splits, delicate and vivid, looking like the shape of gold ingot, hence the name "Yuanbao" is used.
In the workshop of YuanbaoLan, an elderly folk does his "lifetime business". Hu, a local native, started to learn weaving basket at the age of 14. Nearly half a century later, the young boy is now in his 80s. He is very familiar with the development of YuanbaoLan.
Conversable though he is, Hu carries a deep regret in his voice. He says less and less people are willing to learn the craft of "YuanbaoLan" in these modern times. He is afraid that the craft, which is imbued with deep history, may die off in the near future.
There is an increasing awareness in Hu's heart of the need to pass on his skills as he grows older. "I hope the time for the revival of YuanbaoLan could come soon. I will impart my knowledge and skills without reservation," said Hu.
Guixi city government attaches great importance in protecting traditional culture. An official working in Tangwan said the local government is now preparing the materials for the application of intangible cultural heritage of Jiangxi province.
