Exploring the Allure of Traditional Chinese Leather Art: Heritage, Craftsmanship, and Innovation Leather

Acknowledged as a treasured element of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, traditional Chinese leather carving art is a vibrant embodiment of China's rich cultural tapestry. This venerable art form marries a deep historical resonance with functionality, aesthetic charm, and collectible worth, marking its significant influence across historical, cultural, and economic spectrums.

Leather art, a craft steeped in the nomadic traditions, manifests the very spirit of itinerant cultures. Originally executed on animal hides, this art form encompassed a variety of techniques, including carving, branding, and painting. Sheepskin maps and basic decorative pieces were some of the earliest expressions of this craft. Nomads utilized the skins and furs from their hunts to create essential items, turning to the robust and versatile cowhide for more intricate work due to its suitability for carving, branding, and dyeing. The resulting leather pieces were not only functional but also ornate, often embellished with animal teeth, metalwork, and other embellishments that enhanced their beauty and utility.

In our modern Glam series, we honor the deep-rooted legacy of leather art by infusing it with a contemporary edge, blending reverence for this fine art with today's values and eco-awareness. Our collection features only top-tier synthetic leather, showcasing the splendor of ancestral craftsmanship while steadfastly upholding ethical and sustainable standards.

Gawa, originally Li Siqin, hails from the Kerqin Grassland, an area celebrated for its cultural heritage. He has devoted over four decades to the art of leather carving, embarking on this path at the tender age of nine. His skills were honed at Inner Mongolia Normal University. Today, Gawa is lauded internationally for his expertise in leather carving, with his creations, steeped in grassland traditions, earning global recognition at esteemed institutions like the Louvre and events such as the Cannes Film Festival.

Gawa's artistry seamlessly blends age-old methods with contemporary artistic expression, culminating in complex, textured leather carvings that have garnered a multitude of accolades, such as the coveted "Pegasus Award" and the "Hundred Flowers Cup". His commitment to cultural conservation was honored when he was named a UNESCO Cultural Ambassador in 2018. Gawa is also an innovator, holding patents for novel leather carving techniques, thus making a significant contribution to the tapestry of Chinese cultural heritage.

This interview delves into the realm of traditional leather artistry and its profound ties to Chinese culture. Join us as we navigate the landscape of Gawa's experiences, uncovering the resilience and perpetual vitality within the world of leather art.

Q: Can you briefly share your thoughts on leather carving?

A: Leather carving is a creative artistic expression that resurrects the hides of deceased animals through the processes of carving and painting. In my opinion, it is not just a traditional intangible cultural heritage, but also an essential aspect of our ethnic culture. Undoubtedly, the craft of leather carving and painting is a testimony to the evolving tapestry of our ethnic history. Leather is full of life and carving the delightful details of life onto it is a genuine blessing. With a strong foundation built over a history of more than 1,800 years, this traditional art is truly something to be proud of, and should be passed on to future generations.

Q: When did you first come across leather carving, and what motivated you to make it your lifelong pursuit?

A: I was familiar with leather carving from an early age. The turning point could be when I uncovered my grandfather's old saddle one day, evoking memories of my childhood. I could sense that this was my calling. So I quit my school job and started to source leather for carving. With no formal training, I sought advice from university professors. I bought leather carving works, dismantled them, and immersed myself in the study. The whole process was painstaking. When my first leather carving artwork was completed, I resolved to pursue it as my lifelong career.

Q: We are aware that you regularly give leather carving lessons to young people interested in this art. Are there still many people who want to learn leather carving nowadays? What would you say to these young enthusiasts aspiring to explore the art of leather carving?

A: A crucial aspect in the process of preserving this art is how to nurture the interest of the younger generation. Leather carving is a time-consuming and meticulous craft that requires great patience and persistence in the learning process. In today's rapidly advancing society, a two-hour movie can be reduced to a three-minute commentary. Young people are exposed to a fast-paced world, making it difficult for them to appreciate a slower pace. As a result, fewer people want to learn this art. Even so, I still hope to teach as many students as I can and help them succeed to the best of my abilities. It's a good sign when people are willing to learn. We can't let this tradition be lost, and preserving this craft is my biggest wish now.  

Q: What are your impressions of Florasis’ products in the Glam Collection?

A: In Florasis' latest collection, unique techniques are employed to authentically reproduce this traditional leather art. Inspired by saddle colors, the products feature intricate engravings representing the blessings associated with our cultural identity. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design allows the brand to create products that exude a contemporary flair and aesthetic value. This initiative has, to some extent, contributed to the preservation and development of leather carving. The most significant aspect of our effects is to raise awareness of this particular art form, encouraging people to voluntarily explore leather carving and learn more about it.

In closing, the collaboration between Gawa and Florasis encapsulates a cultural journey where traditional leather artistry meets the world of cosmetics. Through this partnership, Gawa's intricate creations harmonize with Florasis' dedication to infusing traditional Chinese elements into beauty products, creating a unique narrative that resonates with both tradition and modernity.