In the vast expanse of the desert's nighttime sky, streams of scorching molten iron ascend into the air, resembling a dazzling shower of stars. Join video blogger Jiang Xunqian as she delves into the captivating world of Datiehua, a traditional Chinese art form that involves spraying molten iron. Through her videos, Jiang showcases the ancient techniques of intangible cultural heritage, captivating millions of viewers and fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional Chinese culture.
The Journey Begins: From Animator to Video Blogger
Jiang Xunqian's transition from an animator to a video blogger captivates millions of viewers as she embarks on a new direction in life.
Jiang Xunqian, a talented animator for video games, felt uninspired and yearned for a new direction in life. She took a bold step by resigning from her job and starting her freelance animation career. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she began filming her cooking sessions to reassure her concerned mother. The videos gained rapid attention, leading Jiang to pivot towards becoming a food vlogger.
But it wasn't until she made a video about 'sugar painting' that Jiang's focus shifted towards traditional culture and craftsmanship. Her deep fascination for traditional Chinese culture, cultivated through years of studying Peking Opera, motivated her to showcase ancient techniques in her videos.
Datiehua: Unveiling the Ancient Art of Fireworks Made of Molten Iron
Discover the mesmerizing art of Datiehua, where molten iron is sprayed into the sky, creating a dazzling shower of stars.
Datiehua, meaning 'spraying molten iron,' is an ancient Chinese folk art that originated with ironsmiths. Jiang Xunqian specifically learned Queshan Tiehua, a variation that dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty. During a Datiehua performance, a group of artisans skillfully manipulate molten iron, creating a captivating spectacle.
The scorching molten iron, reaching temperatures as high as 1,600 degrees Celsius, ascends into the sky, resembling a shower of stars against the backdrop of the desert's nighttime sky. This mesmerizing art form has been recognized as a form of national intangible cultural heritage, preserving a rich tradition passed down through generations.
Overcoming Challenges: Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Datiehua
Jiang Xunqian defies gender stereotypes as the sole female 'firework-sprayer' in the world of Datiehua, overcoming physical demands and fears.
In ancient times, blacksmithing and the art of Datiehua were predominantly male pursuits due to their physically demanding nature. Jiang Xunqian faced initial reservations from the representative inheritor of Queshan Tiehua, as it had been centuries since a woman had learned this skill.
Undeterred, Jiang persevered and embraced the challenges of Datiehua. The performance requires a group of performers to continuously spray molten iron for nearly 20 minutes, a physically strenuous task. Despite the risk of burns and injuries, Jiang's determination and courage know no bounds, proving that gender is not a barrier to mastering this ancient art form.
Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage: Jiang Xunqian's Mission
Jiang Xunqian uses her videos to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of traditional Chinese culture among the younger generation.
Jiang Xunqian's videos not only showcase the beauty of traditional Chinese crafts but also delve into the cultural significance behind them. She collaborates with the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, capturing their expertise and sharing it with a wider audience.
Through her videos, Jiang aims to bridge the gap between the younger generation and traditional culture. She believes that young people have an appreciation for traditional culture but lack opportunities to learn about it. By showcasing these crafts and techniques, Jiang hopes to inspire a deeper understanding and preserve intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
Conclusion
Jiang Xunqian's journey into the world of Datiehua and traditional Chinese culture has captivated millions of viewers. Through her videos, she showcases the mesmerizing art of spraying molten iron, defying gender stereotypes, and preserving intangible cultural heritage. Jiang's passion for promoting traditional Chinese crafts and techniques has fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation among the younger generation.
FQA
What is Datiehua?
Datiehua is an ancient Chinese folk art that involves spraying molten iron into the sky, creating a dazzling spectacle resembling a shower of stars.
Why did Jiang Xunqian transition from being an animator to a video blogger?
Jiang Xunqian felt uninspired in her role as an animator and yearned for a new direction in life. Her journey as a video blogger began when she started filming her cooking sessions, which gained rapid attention and led her to pivot towards showcasing traditional culture and craftsmanship.
What is Jiang Xunqian's mission with her videos?
Jiang Xunqian aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of traditional Chinese culture among the younger generation. Through her videos, she collaborates with inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, capturing their expertise and sharing it with a wider audience.