Name: Mother-of-Pearl Chinese Chess: Traditional Craftsmanship Meets NZ Artisan Design
Uploaded: 2025-07-22T18:37:10+12:00
Duration: 3 min
Channel: Chinese Tradition

Chinese Tradition

Discover the delicate brilliance of 螺钿象棋 — Chinese chess (象棋) pieces inlaid with intricate mother-of-pearl (螺钿), a centuries-old decorative technique celebrated across East Asia. This visually stunning video showcases master artisans carefully crafting each piece, layering shimmering shell fragments into richly lacquered surfaces.

For New Zealand viewers, this is more than cultural appreciation — it’s an invitation to explore how traditional Eastern craftsmanship can inspire modern Kiwi design and storytelling. As interest in Asian-Pacific artisan goods grows among Aotearoa’s interior designers, collectors, and cultural educators, these handmade chess sets speak to a deeper desire for connection, elegance, and craftsmanship.

Mother-of-pearl work resonates deeply with New Zealand’s own Pāua shell traditions, forming a bridge between Chinese decorative arts and Māori design sensibilities. Whether you're a lover of fine objects, a maker working with natural materials, or an educator exploring cross-cultural art forms, this is a rare look into how old-world craftsmanship continues to thrive — and inspire — today.

Why it matters in New Zealand:

Aligns with growing Kiwi interest in slow-made, natural-material goods

Inspires local artisans working with shell, lacquer, or game design

Appeals to collectors, designers, and educators passionate about cross-cultural heritage

Connects with Aotearoa’s deep appreciation for objects with story, skill, and soul

Hashtags:
#motherofpearlnz #chinesechessnz #lacquerartnz #artisancraftnz #traditionalasianartnz #nzcollectors #chessdesignnz #culturalheritagenz #pāuameetspearl #nzinteriordesign #handcraftedgamesnz #kiwiartmeetsasia

11.1K

257

0

36

Share

Daniel Chyi 戚钊

When people think of Osaka, they think of street food, neon lights, and warm hospitality. But ask any traveler or local foodie what the #1 must-buy souvenir is, and the answer is almost unanimous:
🧀 The legendary fresh-baked Osaka cheesecake — hot, jiggly, and impossible to resist.

🔥 What Makes Osaka’s Cheesecake So Special?
Forget dense New York-style cakes — Osaka’s version is a light, fluffy, soufflé-style cheesecake that’s fresh out of the oven. It's warm, subtly sweet, and melts in your mouth. Made with the perfect balance of cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and milk, it’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

And best of all? You get it straight from the oven, often still steaming when handed to you in a charming box — perfect for carrying back as a gift or devouring on the Shinkansen.

🏆 Where to Get It: The Most Famous Shop
The most iconic brand behind this sweet sensation?
Rikuro Ojisan no Cheesecake (Uncle Rikuro's Cheesecake) — with its famous logo of a smiling grandpa chef and a signature stamp pressed on every cake. You’ll often find lines winding out the door at their Namba and Shin-Osaka locations.

Each cake is baked fresh on-site, and you can even watch the mesmerizing process: pouring the batter, baking in rows, and the satisfying "bounce test" when they're pulled from the oven.

🎁 Why It’s the Perfect Souvenir
✅ Easy to carry (comes in a cute box with cooling options)

✅ Loved by all ages — from kids to grandparents

✅ Affordable (under ¥1,000 per whole cake!)

✅ Handmade & local — a true taste of Osaka

Tip: It stays fresh for a few days and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. You can even heat it briefly at home to relive that bakery-fresh experience.

✈️ Pro Travel Tip:
If you’re flying out of Kansai International Airport, pick one up after security at the terminal. No need to carry it around all day — just enjoy it fresh before departure or bring it back to surprise someone special.

#cheesecake