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
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Explore every angle and tech detail of the all-new Xiaomi YU7—smart design, innovative features, and luxury packed into one sleek EV.
#xiaomiyu7 #carwalkaround #techfeatures #electricvehicle #smartcar #luxuryev #fyp #autoreview #nextgencars #carenthusiast
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Amazing Quick Crocodile Trap #shorts
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Discover the delicate beauty and cultural depth of the oiled paper umbrella (油纸伞) — a traditional Chinese and East Asian craft that’s quietly making a return in New Zealand’s art circles, heritage festivals, and eco-conscious design markets. Handcrafted with bamboo frames, hand-painted motifs, and waterproofed with natural tung oil, these umbrellas were once essentials for everyday life and ceremonial use across Asia.
In Aotearoa, the oiled paper umbrella is gaining traction not only as a cultural artefact but as a symbol of slow craftsmanship and sustainable living. From Chinese New Year celebrations in Auckland and Dunedin to boutique stores in Wellington featuring curated handmade goods, this umbrella carries a sense of elegance and meaning that resonates with Kiwi values of authenticity and storytelling.
Whether you’re a collector of Asian antiques, a set designer, a sustainable fashion lover, or simply someone drawn to the poetic beauty of hand-painted heritage, the oiled paper umbrella holds a special place. It invites us to pause, reflect, and protect not just from rain — but from the erosion of cultural memory.
NZ Relevance Highlights:
Fits into NZ’s growing appreciation for handmade, natural products
Popular at cultural festivals (e.g., Lantern Festival, Moon Festival)
Ideal for film, theatre, and wedding design with East Asian influences
Appeals to heritage educators and multicultural classrooms
Represents cross-cultural connections between Māori and Chinese artisanship in shared respect for nature-based materials
Hashtags:
#oiledpaperumbrellanz #traditionalcraftnz #chineseculturenz #slowcraftnz #ecodesignnz #asianheritagenz #lanternfestivalnz #handmadeumbrellanz #culturalartsnz #kiwicraftcollectors #nzasianfusion
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