Interview with Tuanshan artisan Li Jing

Unlike other young people working regular jobs in China, Li Jing started his own traditional Chinese culture infused business as an entrepreneur and artisan, by chance.

Strolling through a millennial alley, you will find Li’s handcrafted Chinese Tuanshan (round fan) studio in a southern style Chinese courtyard, located in Suzhou, eastern coastal province of Jiangsu, China.

The first appearance of Chinese fans dates back over 3,000 years ago. At a time where Chinese fans were made from bird feathers and only used by servants to block off sunlight and dust for the Emperor.

Chinese fans gradually evolved into various forms and shapes, and were made of diverse materials. Tuanshan, a form of Chinese fans, first appeared in Western Han Dynasty during the 206 B.C. – A.D. 24, and became a popular tool for people to cool down during a hot summer day.

Eventually, through the hands of talented Chinese poets, calligraphers, and painters, Chinese fans became valued works of art. Today, they are seen as treasurable heritage of Chinese cultural.

Li’s fate with Tuanshan originated from his passion for Peking opera and Kunqu, both use extensive decorations for their costumes. Li soon became fascinated with all the accessories, such as jewelries and folding fans. His interest later grew to a fulltime hobby of collecting antique, vintage jewelries and fans with friends.