INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Market is more than just a place to shop
It's a cultural experience
You'll find everything from electronics to silk and pearls
The market attracts both tourists and locals
Navigating the crowded aisles is an adventure.As an Iranian journalist and the representative of the Tehran Times, I explored the market
with some other foreign journalists on Thursday
Amidst the lively atmosphere, I discovered the delicate art of inside-bottle painting
I knew I was in the presence of a true artist
His dedication to his craft was clear.Mr
Liu's studio was small but meticulously organized
Tiny brushes and bottles lined his shelves
Each bottle held a miniature world
His finished pieces were stunning
The level of detail was unbelievable.Our conversation revealed Mr
and a pocket-sized artwork that integrates multiple Chinese crafts."Speaking of the inside-bottle painting craft, this is an intangible
cultural heritage skill that has been passed down since the Qing Dynasty
As the fifth-generation inheritor, the tradition and innovation of this art form have spanned nearly 300 years
inside-bottle paintings, which took a considerable amount of time to complete
This craft demands immense patience and focus from the initial stages of learning to creating finished works, it requires extensive practice
and study over a long period
I hope more people will come to understand this art and contribute to preserving this intangible cultural heritage."Inside-bottle painting
Artists paint on the inside of glass bottles
They use special bent brushes
The process requires immense skill and patience.First, the artist inserts a tiny, angled brush through the bottle's neck
Then, they use the brush to paint in reverse
Each stroke must be precise
The artist works from the foreground to the background
It can take days or weeks to finish one bottle.Mr
Liu's paintings often feature traditional Chinese motifs
Each image carries cultural meaning
These symbols add depth to his artwork
They tell stories of history and myth.His creations have been exhibited at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) and
Mass-produced souvenirs are cheaper
Workshops and exhibitions showcase inside-bottle painting
Government support helps too
These initiatives raise awareness
They also give artists opportunities.My visit with Mr
I gained a deep appreciation for inside-bottle painting
This art form is a testament to Chinese culture
international communication and a member of the art-loving younger generation, I deeply admire Mr
Liu's decades-long dedication to his craft and his embodiment of the artisan spirit
The profound depth of Chinese culture continues to inspire me, and I remain committed to documenting and sharing such outstanding