Entertainment
Many crafts were enjoyed as an entertainment for people in ancient times. From toys to performance props, they have an important role in giving people joy and laughter.
Shadow Puppetry 皮影
Shadow play, also known as shadow puppetry, is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment.
Marionette Puppetry 木偶
Chinese Marionette Puppets are played as stage performances. The puppet can perform intricate movements including holding a brush, grinding an ink stick, and writing Chinese characters on paper.
Chinese Folk Toys 民族玩具
The Cloth Tiger, which had been very popular in the ancient times of China, is a cloth-made toy.
Bolang Gu 撥浪鼓
The rattle-drum is one of the oldest and most traditional toys in China.
Jianzi Chinese Shuttlecock 毽子
Jianzi is a traditional Chinese national sport in which players aim to keep a heavily weighted shuttlecock in the air by using their bodies, apart from the hands.
Chinese Chess 象棋棋子
Chinese chess was a strategy game previously used for military training.
Chinese Kites 風箏
Kites were originally used for military intelligence but then were used as toys until now.
Cuju 蹴鞠
Cuju was not only the recreational activity of the general public, but also an important means of military training.
Hairy Monkey 毛猴
Modeled on human actions and scenes from daily life, the handicrafts vividly represent urban life and customs.
Fengxiang Clay Sculpture 泥塑
Clay sculpture has been handed down among the people for about three thousand years. These sculptures are made for toys and figures for entertainment, using a special kind of clay.
Sugar Painting 糖畫
Hot liquid sugar is used to make two-dimensional art and solidifies after cooling down, for making decorative snacks.