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Beijing Silk Figurines

The Song and Ming Dynasties saw the development of a new type of figurine," Silk Figurines ".
This new style was a continuation from the development during the Tang Dynasty of paper handcrafts; when birds, animals and flowers were all produced as paper art. During the Song these early beginnings were enhanced by the Northern Song people who formed the base from paper and added clothing made from silk to the figurine. This technique was further adapted during the Qing Dynasty when the base was made from a light-weight gauze and overlaid with delicate clothing intricately produced from very fine silk cloth.

The decline of arts and culture through the Later Qing Dynasty as a result of European expansionism, wars and famine also saw a decline of the style into obscurity. The revival of Beijing Silk Figurines came about during the early 1950's when the Chinese government became concerned about the decline of the arts and cultural heritage of the country. The style has since 1950, regained an element of prestige.

Figurines are today produced in three main styles and types in large quantities for the tourist and domestic markets. The rebirth of the silk figurines and the high quality of the porcelain figurines are the mainstay of the production. Bronze figurines, and replicas of the Chinese bronze age are also a popular product that since 1980 has grown in importance.

Silkporcelain.com supply a range of selected figurines that depict the life style and dress of Chinese women throughout the Dynasties.