Traditional folk craft market is hot and cold

With the evolution of modern lifestyles and the influence of industrialization, many traditional folk arts and crafts face both challenges and new opportunities. Among them, Liubian crafts have made remarkable progress in the international market, becoming a key driver for rural communities to improve their livelihoods. The 2nd Shandong Fine Arts & Crafts Home Furnishings Fair recently kicked off in Jinan, Shandong Province. At the event, visitors were treated to a vibrant showcase of regional craftsmanship, including Zibo’s glass and ceramic art, Weifang’s kites and New Year pictures, Linyi’s Liubian, Jinan’s gourd sculptures, and even black pottery. These traditional works captured the attention of attendees with their artistic value and cultural significance. During an interview, reporter found that while some traditional crafts still struggle to find a sustainable market, others are finding new ways to thrive. Ren Chunhua, a renowned paper-cutting artist from the Chinese Folk Arts Society, shared her experience: many young people take up the craft out of interest, but few stay due to low income and limited growth opportunities. For her, attending exhibitions has become a major source of income and exposure. Similarly, industries like New Year pictures, cloth art, and gourd sculpture are maintaining a steady presence, though not growing rapidly. Liu Peizong, manager of the Shandong Dongying Taiji Folk Handiwork Workshop, noted that sales remain stable, mostly driven by tourism. However, rising labor costs have made it harder to sustain this model. On the other hand, some traditional crafts are gaining global recognition. Shandong Linyi Huaxingda Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. displayed elegant and durable wicker products at the fair. According to Manager Shi Jingwen, Liubian has gained popularity overseas, especially in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, where eco-friendly handmade items are highly valued. Despite the challenges, traditional crafts continue to play a vital role in boosting rural incomes. According to Li Jiansheng, deputy director of Shandong’s Economic and Information Technology Committee, the province’s arts and crafts industry employed nearly 1.5 million rural workers in 2009, with processing fees exceeding 8 billion yuan annually. He emphasized that Shandong will continue to support these crafts through platforms like trade fairs, aiming to promote their development and preserve their cultural heritage. In conclusion, while traditional crafts face a “rich-poor gap” in terms of market stability, they are still making meaningful contributions to rural economies and cultural preservation. With the right support and innovation, these age-old traditions can continue to flourish in the modern world.