Tin handicrafts

Tin handicrafts

　　Tin handicrafts, a traditional handicraft product of Yunnan. Produced by the Gejiu Tin Arts and Crafts Factory. The registered trademark is "Silver Bird." In 1980, it was awarded the titles of Quality Product by both Yunnan Province and the Ministry of Light Industry. In 1985, it received the Silver Cup Award at the National Arts and Crafts Hundred Flowers Awards. In 1990, it won the Gold Award at the China Women and Children's Expo. This product dates back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. It is primarily made from high-purity refined tin (over 99.75%) produced in Gejiu. The manufacturing process involves melting, pressing into sheets, cutting and shaping, polishing, assembling, and buffing, followed by intricate carving of folk-art-inspired white-line landscapes, flowers, plants, birds, fish, insects, and animal patterns. It features an appearance that is "silvery in color, mirror-like in shine, dazzlingly radiant, and uniquely styled," as well as anti-corrosive properties such as alkali resistance, non-toxicity, and rust resistance. These handicrafts hold high ornamental and collectible value and are sold in over 30 countries and regions around the world. Products such as the tiger-patterned pen holder, tiger-patterned brush washer, small water pipe, floral-eared incense burner, dragon-eared incense burner, Tang horse, phoenix candlestick, and ox-topped jar, produced in 1986, were rated as national first-class permanent collection treasures. The current annual production exceeds 70,000 pieces. (Gejiu)