Revival of Ancient Crafts for High Art
FCCA collaborates with ancient craft masters to create a unique management art studio experience. We proudly work in various high craft areas, ensuring that traditional techniques meet contemporary artistry. Our commitment to preserving these skills allows us to showcase exceptional craftsmanship in every project we undertake. Explore the rich heritage and intricate designs that define our collaborations.
It's enormous historical and cultural potential and the preservation of ancient crafts, China may be on the threshold of a new era. While today the trendsetters of haute couture and its founders are the French, who established The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode to consolidate Paris as the world fashion capital and fashion to the level of high art, China, with its capabilities, may become pioneer of the Couture Art Centre.
This centre aims to attract leading Chinese and European to develop a new vision of couture art at the museum. The project's goal is not only to build a bridge between the great cultures of China Europe through artistic cooperation but also to establish an institution capable of introducing a different aesthetic to the world and shaping the taste of future generations by combining Asian and European influences.
The creation of the world's first and only Foundation of Contemporary Couture Art, involving leading Chinese European brands, aims to develop a new vision of museum-level couture art. includes promoting Chinese artists who meet these criteria in Europe, featuring collection shows and lectures. The project will attract Chinese and European philanthropists, collectors, and who share this vision to form a high-level project team. Such a team of professionals will define the future members of this foundation, representing a unique elitist trend in contemporary art. The initial collection for the project is funded and established by the niche luxury brand Alexander's Collection and its team.
It has always been under the umbrella of the ruling classes, the aristocratic class, thanks to whom the world's masterpieces have been preserved for us.
Today, art has become mass-produced. Obviously, it has a right to be there, but does mass art remain as a legacy to the next generations? Our answer is NO.
This project promotes the cultural heritage and handicrafts of China, the history of which goes back to the origins of human civilization. Europe has borrowed a lot of things from China. For example, porcelain, the homeland is China, and in 18th century Europe even developed a new Chinoiserie style invented on the basis of the European vision of the Celestial Empire.
The connection of cultures is undeniable. China has an extensive and unique network of master craftsmen like no other country in the world. Historically, the formation of handicrafts has taken place across China's many provinces, which has helped to keep them alive for thousands of years, passing on the experience of old masters to new generations.
The new meets aggressive rejection from all sides, as people are used to thinking in stereotypes and templates. Contemporary art has turned into the same template.
The task of the project is to break these stereotypes, to unite the age-old traditions of Chinese craftsmen with the high creativity of European artists to create a unique symbiosis of cultures capable of creating high art. The use of non-traditional materials to create unique art objects, such as silk embroidery, use of gold and silver threads, pearls, specially created fabrics, inlaying with valuable woods, use of half-forgotten ancient techniques of applying Chinese natural varnishes and much more - this is the project's task.
Lacquer techniques
Sutra box with dragons amid clouds
Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle period (1403–24)
Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Chinese ancient lacquer techniques involve harvesting the sap of the Chinese lacquer tree, filtering and purifying it, and then applying it in layers to create durable, decorative objects. These techniques include carved lacquer (diaoqi), engraved gold (qiangjin), and filled-in lacquer (tianqi). The process is time-consuming, with artisans building up numerous layers of lacquer, sometimes hundreds, and then carving, polishing, and decorating the surface.
Key aspects of Chinese lacquer techniques:
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Lacquer Material:
Raw lacquer is extracted from the Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum). It's a sap that's naturally viscous and brown, but it can be purified and colored with pigments like vermillion (for red), carbon (for black), and ochre (for yellow).
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Application Process:
The lacquer is applied in thin layers, often over a base of wood, bamboo, or fabric. The base is prepared by filling in cracks and polishing it. The lacquer is allowed to dry and harden before the next layer is applied. This process can be repeated dozens or even hundreds of times.
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Drying and Polishing:
Lacquer drying times can be slow due to humidity, requiring careful attention to temperature and humidity control. Polishing is a crucial step, achieved with various tools and techniques to create a smooth, lustrous surface.
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Decorative Techniques:
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Carved Lacquer (Diaoqi): Layers of lacquer are built up and then carved into three-dimensional designs.
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Engraved Gold (Qiangjin): Fine lines are incised into the lacquer, and gold foil or powder is applied to create decorative patterns.
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Filled-in Lacquer (Tianqi): Lacquer of different colors is inlaid into carved areas or polished to reveal contrasting colors.
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Maki-e: A Japanese technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto the wet lacquer.
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Nashiji: Another Japanese technique that creates a speckled, pear-skin effect using fine metal flakes.
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Guri: A technique that uses contrasting colors of lacquer to create schematic scroll designs.
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Specialized Craftsmen:
The process of making lacquerware was historically divided among specialized craftsmen, including those who prepared the base, applied the lacquer, carved, polished, and decorated the piece.
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Materials and Inlay:
In addition to lacquer, other materials like gold wiring, semi-precious stones, mother-of-pearl, and ivory were sometimes used as inlays in carved lacquer or as decorative elements.
Dish with long-tailed birds and hibiscuses
Zhang Cheng
mid-14th century
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Silk Production and Embroidery
Silk, a precious material, was produced through sericulture and used for clothing, tapestries, and other decorative items. Embroidery, often incorporating intricate designs and vibrant colors, adorned silk fabrics.
Chinese ancient embroidery is a highly regarded art form with a rich history, deeply interwoven with Chinese culture and traditions. It's not just a craft, but a sophisticated art form that reflects stories, artistry, and centuries of diligence woven into each thread.
Key aspects of Chinese ancient embroidery as art:
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Deep Cultural Roots:
Embroidery in China dates back to prehistoric times and has evolved through various dynasties, becoming a staple of Chinese culture.
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Diverse Styles:
Several distinct styles of embroidery have developed, including Su (Suzhou), Xiang (Hunan), Yue (Guangdong), and Shu (Sichuan) embroidery, each with unique characteristics and techniques.
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Intricate Techniques:
Chinese embroidery is known for its intricate and detailed designs, often featuring flowers, dragons, landscapes, and other symbolic motifs.
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Symbolic Meanings:
Motifs in embroidery often carry symbolic meanings rooted in Chinese culture, folklore, and traditions, such as longevity, prosperity, and good fortune.
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Use of Materials:
Silk is a prominent material, with silk threads often being split to create fine, detailed stitches. Other materials like wool and linen were also used in early embroidery.
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Artistic Expression:
Contemporary embroidery artists continue to innovate, blending traditional techniques with modern artistic elements, demonstrating the enduring relevance of this art form.
Examples of prominent styles:
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Known for its fine stitches, bright colors, and realistic depictions of subjects.
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Originating in Sichuan, it features smooth, bright, and neat stitching, influenced by the region's environment and culture.
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From Hunan, it is known for its use of pure silk and colorful threads, often absorbing the spirit of Chinese painting.
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From Guangdong, it reflects the unique characteristics of the region's culture and artistry.
Chinese embroidery is a testament to the skill, artistry, and cultural significance of Chinese craftsmanship, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Above: Master in the embroidery workshop under Don Quixote artwork order for FCCA
Bone & Wood Inlay
Chinese bone/shell and wood inlay is an ancient decorative technique that combines carved bone or other materials with wood to create intricate designs. This art form, dating back centuries, is known for its exquisite detail and symbolism. The process involves carefully selecting, shaping, and inlaying pieces of bone, often camel bone, or other materials like mother-of-pearl, into a wooden base.
Here's a more detailed look:
Technique:
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Material Selection:
Craftsmen choose specific types of wood for their grain and color, as well as bone or other materials like mother-of-pearl.
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Design:
Detailed designs are drawn on the wood, and corresponding shapes are cut from the bone or other materials.
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Inlay:
These pieces are carefully inlaid into the wood, often requiring precise cutting and fitting.
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Finishing:
The inlaid pieces are smoothed and polished to create a seamless and lustrous surface.
Historical Significance:
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The art form is believed to have originated during the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907 AD).
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It became particularly popular in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, during this period.
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The technique was also introduced to Japan during the Tang Dynasty.
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The art form has been used to decorate furniture, jewelry boxes, calligraphy desks, and ceremonial artifacts.
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It is known for its symbolism, with designs often incorporating floral patterns, mythical creatures, and auspicious symbols.
Modern Relevance:
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While modern techniques and materials have evolved, the traditional art of bone and wood inlay continues to be practiced.
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It is appreciated for its intricate craftsmanship and unique aesthetic.
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The technique is still used in the creation of high-quality furniture, decorative objects, and even some jewelry.
Silk Painting
Traditional Chinese silk painting, an ancient art form, involves preparing the silk, applying a base layer, and using specialized techniques to create detailed and vibrant images. Artists traditionally smoothed the silk with stones, then used brushes made of animal hair and natural mineral pigments or ink (made from soot and adhesive). Techniques include the gutta resist method, freehand brushwork, and meticulous layering of colors.
Key Techniques and Materials:
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Silk Preparation:
Silk was traditionally smoothed with a stone to create a suitable surface for painting.
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Brushes:
Animal hair brushes were used for applying paints and inks.
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Pigments:
Natural mineral pigments and soot-based ink were commonly used to create a range of colors and shades.
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A wax or resin-based substance was used to create intricate designs and patterns that resisted the paint, allowing for detailed outlines and effects.
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This technique emphasizes the artist's expression and emotions through spontaneous brushstrokes.
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Multiple layers of light washes were applied to build up color and create depth and tone.
Evolution of Silk Painting:
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While traditional methods are still practiced, silk painting techniques have evolved to incorporate dyes and methods from other cultures.
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Artists continue to explore new materials and techniques while preserving the essence of this ancient art form.
Wood Carving
Traditional Chinese woodworking encompasses a range of sophisticated techniques, with the mortise and tenon joint being a cornerstone of ancient construction. This method, which predates nails and screws, allows for incredibly strong and durable wooden structures. Beyond construction, Chinese woodcarving utilizes intricate designs and diverse techniques like line carving, relief carving, and in-the-round carving.
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This technique involves creating a projecting tenon on one piece of wood that fits snugly into a corresponding mortise (hole) in another piece.
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The interlocking structure provides exceptional stability and is a hallmark of traditional Chinese architecture and furniture.
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Examples can be found in ancient buildings, bridges, and furniture, showcasing the enduring nature of this technique.
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Diverse Techniques:
Woodcarving in China utilizes line carving (shallow cuts), relief carving (designs raised from the background), in-the-round carving (3D sculptures), intaglio carving (designs cut into the wood), and hollowed-out carving (creating openwork patterns).
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Intricate Designs:
Common motifs include floral patterns, animals, and geometric shapes, often imbued with symbolic meanings related to prosperity, longevity, and harmony.
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Material Selection:
Skilled artisans carefully choose wood like rosewood, sandalwood, or nanmu, each offering unique properties for the carving.
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Tools and Finishing:
Specialized chisels, gouges, and knives are used, alongside techniques like hollowing, scraping, and burnishing to achieve intricate details.
3. Other Techniques:
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This technique involves connecting wood pieces without nails or glue, showcasing the ingenuity of Chinese woodworking.
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A complex bracket system used in traditional Chinese architecture, Dougong distributes the weight of the roof and provides structural support.
These techniques, passed down through generations, continue to influence modern design and craftsmanship in China and beyond. The preservation of these traditions is vital for maintaining cultural heritage and promoting sustainable building practices.