With a mysterious history that goes back thousands of years, silk figurine is a popular Beijing art form that has won the hearts of art fans around the world. Grown out of an ancient tradition of silk making, silk figurines are said to perfectly capture the essences of silk – grace, elegance, and a unique sense of high class.
Most works are created based on famous characters from ancient Chinese legends and plays, with an emphasis on demonstrating their unique personalities and spiritual qualities by showing their most unique expressions and decorating them with appropriate clothing items. Almost completely lost in the early 20th century, it quickly rose to a high level of popularity after it was revived in the 1950s, and is now one of the most admired products available in Beijing’s gift shops. Unless you’re a Beijing tour guide, you need to go on a Beijing day tour to discover the exquisite silk figurines in the city’s spectacular local shops.
In a sense, Chinese silk figurines represent a highest form of feminine beauty highly appreciated in eastern Asian cultural sphere. Slim body, smooth skin, beautiful hair, and vivid countenance are only physical features made possible by the exquisite nature of silk itself. Graceful movement of hands, delicate expressions that seem to have double meanings, and charming eyes that are at times cold and indifferent, and at times seductive and engaging, are a brilliant demonstration of how an ideal form of feminine beauty is interpreted by the eastern Asian standard, a form of beauty that has been exemplified by countless famous female characters from ancient Chinese stories and dramas.
Not surprisingly, silk figurine, though not as famous as other major Chinese art forms like painting or porcelain, nonetheless became one of collectors’ favorite items, who considered it as an excellent presentation of ancient Chinese culture, art, and aesthetic ideas.
Though the evidence of silk figurines existing before the Tang dynasty is sparse, it is generally believed this art form has a history almost as long as the production of silk. According to some historians, some of the earliest embroidered works must have been silk figurines used as a type of home decoration. The earliest works discovered are from a Tang dynasty tomb found in Xinjiang province, which include figurines of imperial court dancers and eunuchs. The dancers are noted for their elegant dresses and hair decorations, and the eunuchs for their vivid expressions.
During the Song dynasty, Chinese people began to widely use multi-color, elaborately-made silk figurines in important ceremonies, a tradition that would continue into the late Qing dynasty. In the early 20th century, this art was completely lost in the Sino-Japanese war. Fortunately for art fans, it was revived by some excellent Beijing artists during the 1950s.
Beautiful silk figurines are offered in many amazing local shops in Beijing. When you are in the city, remember to find a Personal Shopper in Beijing to take you to the best shops with the best products.
