Artisans ~ China Travel Pictures
Jade, Pearls, Cloisonne good shopping, souvenirs
Most local tours in China stop to see artisans working in demonstration factories for pearl culture, jade carving or cloisonne painting. Sometimes, a short video about the craft making is shown first, then visitors are taken to a glittering showroom or retail store for shopping and picture taking (ask before taking photos). Smart shoppers should learn more about pearls, jade and cloisonne before they travel so they will be able to make well-informed purchases. On a later trip to Hong Kong, I took two free classes through the Hong Kong Tourism Board on how to recognize quality jade and pearls. Perhaps your jeweller at home will give you pointers before you go. See more China pictures - Great Wall of China, Beijing sights, and Beijing. See China travel information and What to Pack for a trip to China.
Jade carver ~ China Artisanat WorkChina is known for its wonderful artisans works in jade, such as jewellery, figurines, and personal care items. Here, a carver demonstrates the art near the showroom retail outlet. The pieces are quite beautiful, and there's no pressure to buy. |
Jade Tiger at a Friendship StoreThis is just one of dozens of jade items for sale. |
Jade and Porcelain BuddhasThese small sculpturesof jade and porcelain buddhas make fine souvenirs, and there is no lack of choice. Usually your guide (and most western visitors will have one) will be a great help in getting you a good value. |
Cloisonne artisan demonstrating the artCloisonne is enamelware in which different colors of enamel paint are applied to the designs created by thin metal strips. The price varies according to quality and size. Simple bracelets, rings and earrings are very inexpensive, usually $2-$5 each, but they will not withstand heavy wear. Treat them as interesting souvenirs for the young girls on your shopping list. |
Large Cloisonne vase a work of art!See for yourself how lovely this is! Retailers usually can help you arrange to ship home larger items, such as this floor vase, but factor the shipping cost into the total price. |
Older Cloisonne Vases in Blue and WhiteAlong the hall leading to where the artisans were demonstrating their skills, we passed a small room with pieces of old style cloisonne that had been set aside as a type of museum. |
New Cloisonne Vases are multi coloredThe showrooms / retail stores are department store size, and most visitors can easily take a half hour to just walk through before making a decision. While many study English at school, often they are too shy to speak to Westerners. Speak slowly, using simple phrases and gestures, and you will be understood. When you want to buy something, the clerk will lead you to the department manager, who will complete the transaction. Plan to pay in yuan, though more stores will now acccept credit cards for larger purchases. |
Pearls Forming in the Shell~ How to grow a pearlChina is a major pearl producer, so this is the place to buy all manner of pearl items -- jewellery, sculptures or even blended into face creams. It was when I saw the lavish displays of pearls that I wished I had known something about how to choose good quality ones. In my ignorance, I wasn't even certain of the difference between cultured and natural pearls, though I could differentiate between saltwater and freshwater. :-) |
Chinese Zodiac Animals Made From Tiny Seed PearlsThe 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac are defined by different animals, like those shown here, fashioned from freshwater pearls. These pearl zodiac sign animals make a unique souvenir, and are easy to tuck into a corner of a suitcase. |
See More China Travel Pages:
|









Add A Comment