Jiangnan style: Suzhou displays its traditional handicrafts in Beijing

A Su-style chair, showed during the exhibition at Prince Kung's Mansion, Beijing, Oct 7, 2016. [Photo/Sina Weibo]

An exhibition of traditional handicrafts made in Suzhou in Jiangsu province, titled "Suzhou's Creative Marvels", was unveiled at Prince Kung's Mansion in Beijing on October 7.

The display presents a complete history of traditional "Suzhou products", right from the manufacturing process to the uniqueness of the products made in Suzhou. Suzhou Opera also features in the exhibition.

"Suzhou products", or su zuo, refers to the traditional handicraft industry in Suzhou in Jiangnan area. It formed its own exquisite style with meaningful cultural symbols during its long history of 2,500 years.

Handicrafts made in Suzhou, all bear a name with the common character "Su", the abbreviation of Suzhou. They include embroidery, sculptures, fans and furniture.

Su-style furniture, or Ming-style furniture, is the major showpiece. The manufacturing skills of Suzhou furniture date back to the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279), featuring unique techniques of furniture making in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.

From designing to painting, a piece of Suzhou furniture often requires dozens of steps. Its elegant, unsophisticated and simple features exemplify itself as typical furniture with Ming-style.

Ending on October 21, the organizer, Administrative Office of Prince Kung's Mansion of the Ministry of Culture, will hold a workshop on the protection and inheritance of Suzhou furniture's techniques during the exhibition.