The destinies of many folk crafts are similar, suffering many twists and turns. Over the past millennium, some have died and some others are in the process of dying off, and may be lost from human history.

China has been using silver for over 4,000 years since the Warring States Period (770-256 BC), reaching the peak of its prosperity in the Han and Tang dynasties (206 BC-AD 907). Chinese people have entrusted their aspirations, such as longevity and wealth, upon silverware and gold, gradually forming an ornamental folk culture. Nowadays, silversmiths in China are no longer in demand, though silver as an ornament is still popular.

Silversmith’s old street: a disappearing scenery

Hong Jinquan - a gray-haired old man - works at a hundred-year-old gold and silver processing shop along Beizha old street in Chaohu city, Anhui province. Many of the works showcased in this old shop, such as silver locks and silver mandarin ducks, have been made at the hands of Hong Jinquan. His works diffuse charming and traditional scenes, always enchanting visitors and customers.

Hong Jinquan works on a silver bracelet on Oct 2.

Hong Jinquan works on a silver bracelet on Oct 2.

Hong Jinquan works on a silver bracelet on Oct 2.

A customer shows a silver bracelet made by Hong Jinquan on Oct 2.