To understand the philosophy behind traditional Chinese crafts, one can look to the title of a Chinese scientific classic, Tian Gong Kai Wu, or The Exploitation of Nature’s Works, widely known as the world’s first comprehensive treatise on agriculture and handicraft production.
The book, compiled by Song Yingxing, a scientist of the late Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), was first published in 1637. It provides a detailed summary of ancient China’s manufacturing and farming techniques and is recognized as an encyclopedia of science and technology from that era.
The term Tian Gong refers to the mighty power of nature, while Kai Wu signifies the ingenuity of human hands. Together, the two concepts form a harmonious philosophy: by uniting nature’s forces with human creativity, one can achieve exceptional craftsmanship.
That wisdom has been passed down to the present day. This year, the China Pavilion at the 11th edition of London Craft Week, held from May 12 to May 18, was themed “Tian Gong Kai Wu: Crafting Works of Nature” – a tribute to the timeless classic and a celebration of the enduring spirit of Chinese craftsmanship.
The exhibition, presented by China’s Art and Design Press and supported by the Cultural Section of China’s embassy in the United Kingdom, showcased some 120 pieces, encompassing ceramics, lacquerware, stone carving, embroidery, and more.
Themed events such as “Mothers’ Needlework” and “A Magical Leaf from the East” were also featured as part of the exhibition, promoting hand-embroidered blankets by China’s Dulong ethnic group, one of the country’s smallest ethnic minorities, and the Zang ethnic group, as well as Tieguanyin, a premium Chinese oolong tea from Anxi county in East China’s Fujian province.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion on May 12, Minister of China’s embassy in the UK Zhao Fei extended his congratulations on the launch of the exhibition on behalf of China’s Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang.
Zhao said that both China and the UK have rich craft traditions, and that exchanges in this field serve as a vivid example of dialogue between civilizations. He noted that China has participated in every edition of London Craft Week since its inception.
He highlighted that China has placed great emphasis on preserving traditional crafts in recent years, and the efforts have been integrated into broader national initiatives, including poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, and the integration of culture and tourism.
Guy Salter, chairman and founder of London Craft Week, echoed the sentiment that traditional craftsmanship is increasingly valued in China. He recalled encountering an elderly artisan there who had personally experienced this transformation.
“To that old man, traditional craftsmanship wasn’t just a skill—it was his dignity. I’ve never forgotten that meeting,” Salter said.
Qian Zhu, president and editor-in-chief of Art and Design Press, said Chinese handicrafts today not only inherit ancient techniques but also respond to contemporary aesthetics. “Chinese artisans have always believed that the finest craftsmanship completes the unfinished masterpieces of heaven and earth,” he said.
In addition to the exhibition at the China Pavilion, at least four other Chinese organizations participated in this year’s London Craft Week, helping to present a more complete picture of Chinese craftsmanship.
（Source chinadaily ）
