亚洲色怡人综合网站,国产性夜夜春夜夜爽,久久97AV综合,国产色视频一区二区三区

USEUROPEAFRICAASIA 中文雙語Fran?ais
China
Home / China / Life

Lasting touch of kingfisher bird

China Daily | Updated: 2013-06-20 07:24

Its Chinese name literally translates as "dipping of blue" and dian cui is an ancient handicraft technique involving applying the feathers of kingfisher birds onto the surface of gold or gilt silver. The exact time when it originated is disputed today, but the decorative method, extremely popular among ladies from the aristocratic class, reached its zenith during the reign of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Emperor Qianlong (1736-1796).

Often referred to in period novels, dian cui can be best appreciated in the form of female accessories from the breathtakingly extravagant "phoenix crowns" - usually for rich brides - to the less ostentatious but equally delicate hairpins and earrings.

The reason that kingfisher is preferred over any other bird is because its feather could retain its color and luster for decades, even centuries - a unique quality lacking in its fellow plumed creatures. This has proven to be both dian cui's doing and undoing, especially at a time when the avian species has long become a rarity, just like the men who practice this ancient handicraft.

China Daily

Editor's picks
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.
License for publishing multimedia online 0108263

Registration Number: 130349
FOLLOW US