Traditional silversmithing skills in Chenzhou
2023-08-04 18:09:15
Chenzhou City has mature traditional silver forging techniques due to its rich nonferrous metal mineral resources. Chenzhou has a long history of gold and silver smelting, which was one of the two famous silver mines in China during the Tang and Song dynasties.
The main processes of traditional silver ornaments forging include silver melting, casting, hammering, wire drawing, carving, welding, and polishing. There are mold making processes such as mold casting, tapping, carving, and chiseling, as well as decorative processes such as inlaying, gilding and jade embellishing.
The traditional silver forging skills in Chenzhou are mainly passed down from master to disciple or within a family through oral teaching, which are blossoming in Yongxing County, the “Silver Capital of China”, and the other areas of Chenzhou City.
The silver forging requires complex craftsmanship, with diversified and exquisitely decorated products, which are handcrafted and practical in daily life with auspicious decorative patterns. They have important historical, artistic, and scientific values.
In 2021, the traditional silversmithing skill was included in the fifth batch of representative projects of provincial intangible cultural heritage.
