Two intangible cultural heritage items from Jinhua are presented to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in China. [Photo/Jincaiyun App]
Two intangible cultural heritage items from Jinhua, East China's Zhejiang province — a celadon plate and boxes of traditional pastries — were presented to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in China on Dec 18 as national gifts to mark the 65th anniversary of China-Somalia diplomatic relations.
Chen Xinhua, a representative inheritor of the Wuzhou (the ancient name of Jinhua) traditional ceramic-making techniques, and Lou Hongliang, an inheritor of the Wuzhou traditional pastry-making techniques, presented the gifts to Somalia's Ambassador to China, Hodan Osman Abdi. The gifts were showcased at the anniversary banquet.
Having studied at Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua, Abdi emphasized her special connection with Zhejiang.
The design of the celadon plate underwent meticulous revisions, featuring a round shape symbolizing completeness, a gentle green glaze, and hand-carved motifs of Buddha's hand, a Jinhua specialty. The plate's center displays a handshake symbolizing friendship, with Chinese characters meaning forever friendship inscribed by Abdi, alongside the flags of both countries.
As early as the Song (960–1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) dynasties, Wuzhou ceramics, embodying the wisdom of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, were exported overseas via the ancient Maritime Silk Road.
The Wuzhou traditional pastry-making techniques date back to the Song Dynasty, underscoring the legacy of agricultural civilization. Made from local rice, the pastries as gifts incorporate Jinhua elements such as Buddha's hand, tea, and figs, creating six unique flavors that blend tradition with modern health principles.
These pastries were featured at the anniversary banquet, earning praise from international guests.
