Gejiu tin handicrafts

Gejiu tin handicrafts

　　Tin handicrafts are traditional products made by Yunnan Gejiu Tin Arts & Crafts Factory. They were awarded the title of Yunnan Provincial and Ministry of Light Industry Quality Product in 1980, the Silver Cup Prize at the National Arts & Crafts Hundred Flowers Awards in 1985, and the Gold Award at the China Women and Children's Expo in 1990.

　　These products originated in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and are mainly crafted from over 99.75% high-purity refined tin produced in Gejiu. Through processes such as melting, pressing into sheets, cutting into shapes, polishing, assembling, and buffing, they are then meticulously carved with ethnically inspired white-line designs featuring landscapes, flowers, plants, birds, fish, insects, and animal motifs. They are characterized by their “silver-like color, mirror-like shine, dazzling brilliance, and unique style,” as well as anti-corrosive properties such as alkali resistance, non-toxicity, and rust resistance. With extremely high ornamental and collectible value, they are sold in over 30 countries and regions around the world. The tiger-patterned pen holder, small water pipe, floral-eared incense burner, dragon-eared incense burner, Tang Dynasty-style horse, phoenix candlestick, and bull-topped jar produced in 1986 were rated as national first-class permanent collection treasures.