Beijing Hotels: Nearby Calabash Carving Shop

BoGu YiYuan is the largest antique city in west Beijing. And in the market, I found a Calabash carving shop, with its owner a prizer winner of top designing contest in China.

First, let me introduce the multi-functional plant,  calabash (hulu).  In the old days, doctors believed hulu is a traditional Chinese medicine cure. Dried calabash is also used as containers of liquids, often liquors or medicine. Nowadays, hulu becomes a decoration item. Artists could draw your whatever patterns you want on the hulu, even your own photo.

Ju De Tang is such a calabash-carving studio, and its owner, Guo Jude, is a second winner of 4th China Gift Designing Contest. After the success, Mr Guo's life is getting busier. He is invited to  draw and curve 60 imagines of ambassadors and leaders from some middle-east nations on  large bottle gourd. Beijing university and government Shijingshan district asked him to give lectures. He now has 10 students, whom he selected to pass down his skill.

You would find a large amount of bottle gourds in different sizes. Mr Guo  charged RMB 50 for a small gourd-carving, But for the large one, because it is hard to find large gourd and it needs more time to increase resemblance, it costs over thousand.

Beijing Hotels: Nearby Archaeological and Tibetan Gift Shop

Near the northwest of Jianguomen Bridge, there is a shop specializing in various archaistic bronzes called The Archaeological and Tibetan Gift Store. All the small, fine items sold here are good choices for gifts or souvenirs.

There is a huge Ding - ancient Chinese cooking vessel - with two loop handles and three or four legs, on each side of the entrance.

Entering the shop, a small bronze Jue, a kind of China's ancient drinking goblets, first caught my attention. It is priced at RMB 210. Also in sight are small bronze Dings in round or square shapes for RMB 380 each. Placed on a shelf, a bronze Chinese unicorn looked very exquisite, which is RMB 1000.

In a showcase, various bronze mirrors filled the display. According to the shopkeeper, when the sun or a beam of light shines on one of the bronze mirrors, it will reflect the light onto the wall, and form a pattern. The price for a small bronze mirror is RMB 210

Beijing Hotels: Nearby Yaxuan Handicraft Shop

Visiting the Forbidden City during your stay in Beijing is definitely a must. If you get out of it from the eastern gate, and turn right at the first street on your right side, you will find a small handicraft shop waiting for you. You can't miss it, as there is a red sign above the entrance that reads ‘Chinese Folk Handicraft'.

You can find various small handicrafts with strong, traditional Chinese characteristics there, such as paper-cuts, dough figurines, painted small gourds, and tiger-head baby shoes. All of them are ideal for presents or souvenirs.

The most impressive items to me were miniature Peking opera facial masks. Among which my favorite was a small gift box contains four pieces of the masks. They represent the four main characters from ‘Journey to the West', classic in Chinese literature. Among them, I especially like the Monkey King, whose face features a red, peach-like pattern in the center. That's because peach is the Monkey King's favorite food. Very cheap too. The set cost less than 5 dollars.

Beijing Hotels: Nearby Cloth Shoe Shop

After visiting Baigong Handicraft Museum located on the south side of Guangming Lu, I dropped in at a small shop right by the building. The shop's name is Buhai'er, which means Cloth Baby in English. The small, lovely shoes behind the shop window dragged me in.

The main goods selling there are traditional tiger-head shoes. They are handmade by local women. They feature bright colors, layers and layers of pure cloth soles, and of course, a pair of tiger heads. Traditionally, Chinese couples love to have their babes wore this kind of shoes, hoping they are as strong and brave as tigers.

The details are nice, showing vivid features of a tiger. Even the tiger's beard is made of white thin threads. And a Chinese character ‘Wang', or ‘King', is sewn on the forehead. This is because the Chinese feel tigers are the king of the wild.

I picked up a pair. They felt pretty soft. It must be comfortable to have them on feet. I wish I could get back to my babyhood again.

Beijing Hotels: Nearby Jin Ping Handicraft Shop

Located in Tian Di wholesale market, the largest of its kind in west Beijing, Jin Ping owns a small shop which sells different kinds of folk artwork.

Items cover from Chinese knot to paper-cut, to embroidery to Beijing Opera facebook. Ms Jin said the most popular items for foreign customers are Chinese knot hanging and paper-cut.

The characteristic of Chinese knot is that every knot is made of a single rope. "By combining different knots and other auspicious adornments skillfully, like Beijing Opera facebook or carp ( carp indicates richness in Chinese), Chinese knot hanging expresses warmest regards and best wishes." Jin introduced, " Foreign customers would like to choose the small and delicate hangings. It is much more convenient for them taking home."

Paper-cut has 2000 years of history and now it is still custom to paste paper-cut on windows or doors, especially during the spring festival. Even though  paper-cut nowadays is mainly produced by machines, foreign customers are attracted by the folk art. " Take the Four Beauty paper-cut ( According to legend, the Four Great Beauties are the most beautiful women of ancient China) for example, they could enjoy the artwork while get to know the tales of those people in that periods." Jin explained.

Price of different merchandise ranges from 1 RMB to over hundred. You can bargain hard with the owner.

Beijing Hotels: Nearby Guyazhai Antique Shop

If you come to the Beijing's famous artisan hub of Liuli Chang, you will find many antiques and artifacts shop, and Gu Ya Zhai is one of them
 
It is a curio shop selling various kinds of antique items, like porcelain,calligraphy, painting, shadow puppet, snuff bottle and kite.

The shop owner, Mr Xu, showed me his collection of porcelain ware excitedly. Most of the items on the wooden shelf has a history of more than 100 years. He especially introduced the one made during Guangxu emperor regime. Because two parts can be rotated, the piece is rare and set price of RMB 10000.

I was attracted by its large section of  reverse painted tobacco bottles. Most of them are the crystal bottles made by modern artists. These exquisite bottles are with different themes, like spring lantern feast, ancient beauties, fairy tales, and landscapes. I like the cat one most. If you check close, you can even see the cat fur are clearly painted inside the bottle. Price ranges from RMB 500 to RMB 2000 according to different shapes and skills.

Mr Xu told me the most popular items for foreigners are thin-silk kite and shadow puppets. The largest kite in the shop, featuring a light green fish costs RMB 80. While a pair of shadow puppets are priced for RMB 250.

Beijing Hotels-Nearby Charcoal Carve Shop

Entering the shop, i was attracted by the promotion board, "Purifying Art", as people nowadays getting more and more attention on environment protection.

At first glance, it is just a souvenir shop selling those carved vases, trays and hangings. But all the black artworks make me know they are not made by usual porcelain but active carbon.

Golden and black charcoal carve is created completely by hand and is molded with the active carbon forming technique. Blended in the spirit of antique totem civilization, the golden dragon and colorful phoenix or lotus of riches is either grand or delicate, all as if alive and vigorous. The materials that the vase body is made of can absorb impurities  and poisonous gas, thus purifying the air in the room, Thus the item has two functions: art that prays for happiness and health as well as safety for ever.

Price ranges from car hanging at RMB 60 to large dragon-carved vase of RMB 9999. Shop assistant could not speak English and bargain is not customary. A 10 percent off is offered to those spend over RMB 10000 in the shop.

Beijing Hotels: Nearby Zi Ying Xuan Sculpture Shop

I was surprised to find so many prize-winning artworks are included in one shop - Zi Ying Xuan, which sells root-sculpture works made by owner Ma Zi Ying, and other hand-made wooden tea table and purses made by Ma's friends. It is not far from some of Beijing's best accomadations.

I was first attracted by those beautiful and professional photos on the glass window taken by Mr Ma. Then I thought it was a teashop as I saw Mr Ma chatting with friends over tea. But at last, Mr Ma correct me, saying he is a root sculptor.

The shop carries many his root-carving works, three of which have won prize in Liu Kaiqu (one famous sculptor in China)contest. They are "Struggle" featuring a man struggling to free himself from all the restrictions ( golden prize), "Tai Ji" reflecting a concept in Taoism, which means the infinite (silver prize) and Nu Wa's repairing stone telling the people creator Nu Wa's repairing sky story (bronze prize). But Mr Ma's favorite is the "Dragon Spirit", a sculpture in shape of a flying dragon. The root, grew in virgin forest in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has a history of more than 1500 years.

Zi Ying Xuan also sells hand-made purses, which are designed by Mr Ma's friends. I personally like the leather one with a curving totem of original dragon in Chinese fairy tales. It is priced at RMB 60.

Beijing Hotels: Nearby Huacaizhou Handicraft Shop

Walking around the north of Forbidden City, I found a great little shop which offers traditional Chinese handicrafts. Today, I'd like you to discover it with me. It is not far from some of the best Beijing accommodations. 

I was first attracted by its hand-made Piyings hanging on the wall. Later the shop owner, Mr Xie told me the art is made of cow skin and from Shanxi province. These hand-made puppets can not only be enjoyed as beautiful artworks, but also used in shadow theater plays.

Huacaizhou also offers customized works. Like the furry monkey. The shop owner, Mr Xie is a master of the art. He told me the body of the monkey is made by the cicada slough, while the furry part is made by the seeds from yulan. Both are traditional Chinese medicine. For Mr Xie, the most difficult part is the tool-making. Monkeys carry wood items like fans, drums, and football. Because they are very small, it was hard to cut the wood into the correct shape.

"I can make a furry monkey with different themes upon a customer's request. It usually takes me 10 to 15 days to complete." Mr Xie added.

Talking about his experience, Mr Xie said he came up with the idea to open this shop because his wife and he had a crush on Chinese folk arts. They started their business together in 2005. Since then, they received more and more customers, especially foreigners.

Today, I would like to introduce to you a handicraft shop that offers ornaments made by one of the 55 ethnic minorities of China. The shop is located near the Drum Tower, where you will find some of the best accommodations of Beijing, China. The name of the shop is "Na Xi Po Po".

The word "Na xi" designates one of the minorities of Yun Nan Province in Southern China. The cultural heritage of the Na Xi minority dates back a 1,000 years ago - This cultural heritage includes Dong Ba Wen, the only language still in use today that uses the pictograph.  

A pictograph is writing represented by pictures. The local people have used this system to this day. In this shop, there are many ornaments with this beautiful tradition.  

Look at that special shop front, the name is written both in Chinese and Dong Ba Pictograph.

The shop owner once visited the beautiful city of Li Jiang in Yun Nan Province, and he was infatuated with the antiquated amorous feelings of the Na Xi Nationality. After he came back to Beijing, He was still missing the unique culture there. So he opened this shop, to take the real Na Xi history to Beijing.

All of the ornaments are made by local craftmen, including clothes, bags, tapestries, lacquer ware, and so on. The Dong Ba pictograph is the treasure of the Na Xi nationality, so they decorate their handicraft with auspicious characters to send their wishes to people. It is said that the antique pattern can also get rid of evil spirits.

And also they have some carpets and tapestries here, they are made of quality wool, and woven in an auspicious pattern. You can decorate your house with them.

These are colorful drawing lacquer works card cases and other accessories.

Today was "art discovery day"!

I went to Liu Li Chang St. which is a very well known area in Beijing for art galleries and calligraphy shops, there are a lot of Beijing hotels around here.

Good luck to me, I found one very interesting gallery which carries a peculiar form of art called "farmers' painting". 

What's a farmer's painting? Farmers' paintings originated in the 50s, when the government encouraged rural communities to engage in art.  

Beijing Hotels: Nearby Beiping Huadian Shop

So this style of paintings was created by common people expressing their emotional world. It survived the Cultural Revolution in the 70s, and has flourished ever since China opened its doors to the west in the 80s. 

There aren't many galleries and shops that sell this form of art in Beijing. BeiPing HuaYuan is one of them, and it is situated in the west side of Liu Li Chang St. The owner is Ms. Zhang, she is from the western province of XinJiang. 

I took a few photos which I'll comment here:

This painting is about happiness brought about by a good harvest. Farmers often paint what they wish for, or what they are thankful for: warm home, healthy children, dreams of a happy life.  

This painting is about a good harvest as you can see from the corn cobs. You may wonder why the corn is red rather than yellow. The reason is because red is a symbol of happiness and celebration in China. The painter used the red color to express his thankfulness for the good harvest.

This painting is called ‘Cutting Wheat'. It's about an educated urban youth working on a farm. It depicts one of millions of Chinese urban teenagers who were required to learn farming during the Cultural Revolution. Ms. Zhang the owner told me several of her customers had confided that this painting reminded them of their youth days during these chaotic times.

I also noticed a few unusual paintings in the shop. One is called ‘Eight Strange Things about Northeast China' depicts how women like to smoke pipe tobacco there. In the picture, the grandmother is smoking with an extra long tobacco pipe. A common scene in Northeastern China.

The BeiPing HuaYuan shop displays about 50 framed farmers' paintings. There are well over 200 in the back of the place though.

Ms. Zhang also offers something different to her customers - a form of art called "Iron Painting". Iron painting is an ancient form of art dating back over 400 years. The artist used metal in place of paint, and a hammer in place of a brush. The works displayed in the gallery are all from WuHu, the capital of iron painting in China.

This painting is about several reclusive men enjoying their retreating life and internal peace

Most of the works are inspired by the two main themes of Confucianism and Taoism: harmony and virtue.

I liked this particular painting which shows two reclusive men in the wild. You can see the mountains, trees, rivers, and meditating scholars. They are all typical subjects of Taoist art, and depict harmony between man and nature.

There are large numbers of handicraft shops in Beijing. But it is not that easy to find a great one with nice prices. So I was very happy coming across Good Old Days near the Forbidden City.

Carrying over 100 categories of finely selected traditional Chinese handicrafts, Good Old Days has been in the business for almost a decade. From clay baubles to cloth cats, wood paintings to zodiac pendants, everything brings some old-time touch.

In the of clay products section, I picked up a small, stripped-color kitty with its tail cocking up. This lovely animal, as the owner told me, has been popular with ladies to place rings. It only sells for RMB 20.

There are two dozens of Chinese shadow puppets in the puppet section. Made of donkey or ox leather, those little figures are used for shadow play or home decoration. Each sells around RMB 150.

On the walls are some wood painting worked by a friend of the shop owner. The paintings portrait elegant ladies of old times, reflecting their loneliness and solitude after polygamy marriage. Each is priced at RMB 400.

The owner is a native Beijinger, who speaks fluent English and would like to share their insights on Chinese culture with foreign friends.

Chinese New Year's wood block painting is a type of picture posted during the Spring Festival. In the past, you may find them on the windows and doors of every home as the Spring Festival approached. The natural and simple strokes, created by farmer, expresses their simple desires,
like wishing for good luck for the coming year and warding off evil spirits.

Color Together, located in Drum Tower, is a newly opened shop selling the Chinese specialty. The shop owner, Mr Yi, developed love for this art because he was born in a town famous for Spring Festival painting. Mr Yi told me almost every painting has its story, like this "Door God". According to legends, two brothers called Shen Tu and Yu Lei supervised ghosts and monsters. If a monster wanted to harm a human, they would tie him up to feed the tiger. Later people drew portraits of Shen Tu and Yu Lei on windows and doors, to ward off unwelcome guests.

I found the delicate Chinese doll very attractive. It depicts a smiling Chinese doll with a scroll in her hand. The words on the scroll means harmony. This design came from the beautiful city of Su Zhou, and one of the most famous wood block paintings in China. This is difficult to find Su Zhou's painting nowadays.

Do you like to fly a kite? Do you know how to make a kite?Let's know more about kite on an exclusive kite-selling shop.

The Three Stone Kite has over one-hundred-years' history. Its first owner were used to make a living by making kites for rich people and social celebrities before the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949. Now the shop passed down to his grandfather to operate the family business.

In order to make the best kite, The Three Stone Kite chooses the best material. The skeletons are made of superior bamboos which have been dried for three years. The silk for the kites comes from the southern China with wonderful quality.

All the kite here are symmetrical and meet certain flying principles, so that the kite can be brought up highly to the sky. The price for each kite is based on its timing consumption. Like the four red kites, they are in shape of four Chinese characters meaning "longevity, good luck, happiness, and prosperity", and cost very high.

Nowadays, the shop onwer, Mr Liu lives an extremely busy life. He not only takes care of the family business, but also travels around to teach, demonstrate his techniques, and even take part in some international culture exchange activities. He hopes kite-this kind of traditional artwork- can be passed down from generation to generation and spread out to every corner of the world.

Located in the Drum Tower area, Guang Ming Ge offers a variety of Old Beijing baubles and knickknacks.

Entering the shop, I was first attracted by the Sir Rabbit', or Tu-Er-Yea' as its Beijingers nickname. The item features a colorfully dressed, cat-mounted rabbit with a human body. Legend tells the rabbit was a fairy pet from the moon. It came to rescue people from a plague striking throughout Beijing. The fairy pet later rode a cat so it could move around more quickly to help more people. Beijing People now offer fruits and cakes to it on the mid-autumn day to honor its good deed. Each Tu-Er-Yea' sells for RMB 30.

The shop carries a range of hutong photos, Great Wall clay, and so on. If you want to know the siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences, you should check these hutong photos. Each framed photo cost RMB 100.

Also, there are beautiful items such as white porcelain figurines, straw-weaving animals, opera mask pendant, Chinese zodiac amulet, to name just a few.