I just returned from my trip to China and absolutely loved it! During the tours, I had a chance to learn a bit about the beautiful handicrafts that are “Made in China”. Not the cheap mass-produced junk we have come to stereo-type as “made in China”, but the beautiful creations that reflect the history and culture of these gentle people.

We all know China has the Great Wall running over 13,000 miles long. A wonder of the world built by many emperors and men that lost their lives. I climbed this great wall, as many do, to experience it’s magnificence.

Secondly, China is best known for the Terracotta warriors which were meticulously crafted by over 700,000 workers. The life-size pottery figurines consist of more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses all made with great detail.

Another fabulous historic carving was the Giant Buddha of Leshan carved into the mountainside. 233 feet tall, the stone sculpture is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world.

Such magnificent history, but today, the Chinese artists still exist and still create beautiful pieces of art. Precious hand-made pottery, carvings, embroidery and paintings can be found throughout the country in art galleries and in the streets and markets. I was awed at what I saw!!

Jade carvings that took my breath away.

Statues carved in wood and coated with gold, silver or bronze.

And pottery figurines, teapots and cups – all hand-made.

Silk embroidery so delicate and intricate the pictures look as if you could step into them.

Charcoal etchings they call “calligraphy” and charcoal drawings reflecting places, customs and nature. I actually purchased these two panda pictures!

And lacquered furniture delicately painted with birds, flowers and animals.

What’s China Making?

“Made in China” is not just the mass-produced toys and gadgets we see in dollar stores around the world. Or machine made copycats. It is beautiful, handcrafted art that take hours and hours of patience to create.