Sugar painting is a traditional Chinese folk art that was done on by street vendors and at fairs for people to take away and eat (though we wouldn’t recommend you eat them nowadays!). The most common subjects are animals. Read on for five key things to know about this folk art!
It originated from offerings in the Ming dynasty
It’s recorded that when making offerings to gods in the Ming Dynasty, craftsmen integrated Chinese shadow puppets, folk paper-cuts and other modeling techniques into candy-making, and this gradually evolved into today’s sugar painting art.
It’s popular in northern China
It’s probably best known as a Beijing folk art, but sugar paintings all over northern China have their own characteristics.
It became most popular in the Qing Dynasty
In the Qing Dynasty, the techniques used by craftsmen became more sophisticated, and the subject matter became more extensive. Most popular were auspicious patterns such as dragons, phoenixes, fish, and monkeys.
The tools and materials couldn’t be simpler!
The only tools used are a copper ladle and a knife. One part white sugar to two parts water is used to make the sugar mixture. The ladle and knife are used to create the design and remove it from the metal board.
It’s a wonderful childhood memory for many Chinese people
This folk art is usually seen at fairs so it’s associated with fun times for many children- a little like toffee apples might be for western kids!
What Chinese folk art or craft would you like to learn more about? Let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing your thoughts and insights!
Photo Credits
– Cultural Keys
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