Meet Meng: The Leather Carving Artist Keeping an Ancient Craft Alive 🎨
Have you ever wondered how people used to decorate their belongings before modern machines and technology? In the heart of Urumqi, in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, there's an amazing artist named Meng who is keeping an ancient tradition alive!
What is Leather Carving? 🐴🎨
Leather carving is a special art form where artists press, stretch, punch, etch, and dye leather to make beautiful patterns and designs. Imagine turning a simple piece of leather into a work of art! This craft has been around for centuries and is rooted in the nomadic cultures of the grasslands.
Meng's Journey 🌟
Meng fell in love with leather carving when she was just a child. She was fascinated by the intricate carvings on horse saddles and the graceful lines of handmade whips. After she finished university, she decided to follow her passion. She traveled to Inner Mongolia to learn from a master leather carver named Li Siqin.
Passing on the Tradition 📚👩🏫
After years of hard work and practice, Meng opened her own leather carving studio back in Urumqi. But she didn't stop there! She wanted to make sure this beautiful art wouldn't be forgotten. So, she started teaching others, training hundreds of apprentices. She even holds workshops for herders in nearby communities.
Why It Matters ❤️
Meng's efforts are not just about creating art. She's helping to preserve a piece of history and culture. By teaching others, she's making sure that leather carving will continue to inspire and be enjoyed by future generations—maybe even you!
Get Inspired! 🎉
Who knows, maybe one day you'll find a craft or art that you love just as much as Meng loves leather carving. Keep your eyes open and your imagination active—you never know what amazing things you might discover!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
