Molded gourds are a traditional Chinese form. The earliest Chinese Dynasty to record language was the Xia Dynasty (2000 BC), and the use of gourds, as well as molded gourds, was recorded at that time. Clearly, gourds have been an important part of Chinese folklore for thousands of years. Molded gourds date to at least the Ming Dynasty, and at that time only royalty could possess such an item. Gourd art reached its height of artistic development in the 1700s, and molded gourds were especially prized by King Qianglong. The Immortal Molded Gourds of Mr. Zhang Cairi covers the history of the numerous uses, as well as the traditional techniques of creating, Chinese molded gourds. Mr. Zhang Cairi is one of the few artisans that has preserved the knowledge of this ancient form. His research and experimentation has led to the rediscovery of lost skills, techniques, and secrets of the this incredible art form.
In addition to a fascinating history lesson, Betty Finch and Guojun Zhang have produced a book that explores, in great detail, today's techniques for growing gourds in molds. The processes involved in creating molded designs, of varying intricacy, are well detailed. The processes for growing gourds in one piece molds and two piece molds are covered in separate chapters.
The Immortal Molded Gourds of Mr. Zhang Cairi includes an extensive gallery section of magnificent pictures which clearly depict the extraordinary detail which can be achieved, the great range of shapes that can be created, and the dazzling array of uses these ancient Chinese techniques make possible. Nearly lost, this art form is again being embraced by devotees of gourd arts.
118 pages. Hardcover.
ISBN-13: 978-0-9700338-5-7
ISBN-10: 0-9700338-5-0
