Han Kung flowers are a delicate handicraft decoration which can be framed to form wall hangings, or on a smaller scale, be made into rings and necklaces. The technique of making the flowers originated in China, but passed to Japan via the Silk Road, and soon became an essential skill for Japanese court ladies.

In recent times, Huang Ching-lien, an art teacher with the China Youth Corps, has been promoting the technique of making Han Kung flowers in Taiwan. In particular, she has conducted classes on the subject in the hope that this Chinese tradition will be passed on to future generations.

When the China Youth Corps sponsored an art exhibition to celebrate Youth Day recently, the Han Kung flowers attracted the most attention among the displays of paintings, calligraphy, seals, leatherwork and paper cut-outs, because they are so rarely seen nowadays.

Han Kung flowers are made by pinching together pieces of colored silk into decorative patterns of almost limitless scope. Although Huang has taught some 500 people to make the flowers, she is still not satisfied with her efforts to promote the art form, since most of her students treat it as a hobby rather than a profession.

But this has not discouraged her, and she continues to promote the art enthusiastically. "I only hope that I can contribute to the promotion of traditional Chinese art forms among the Chinese today," she says.

When she heard that a local television station had reported on some French students who had come to Taiwan to perform traditional Chinese puppet shows, Huang commented: "We have foreigners coming from all over the world to learn traditional Chinese skills. Why do we ignore our own precious cultural heritage?" she asks. It was thoughts such as these that caused Huang to revive the art of making Han Kung flowers.

Huang first came into contact with the flowers when she went to work at a factory making the Japanese version eight years ago. Its owner was impressed by the silk flowers he had seen in Japan. When the factory closed down, Huang obtained some Japanese literature on the subject, and it was only then that she realized that the art of making Han Kung flowers originated in China.

Tracing the origins of Han Kung flowers proved to be difficult, although their delicate and refined nature suggested that they were not a folk art. For this reason, they have been given the name Han Kung, which literally translated means "Han Palace."

Han Kung flowers are simple and cheap to make, only requiring some silk, dyes, tweezers, scissors and glue as tools and raw materials. Beginners must first learn eight basic patterns. Huang said that patience is the most important quality in mastering the art.

Huang's house is a museum of all the different applications of Han Kung flowers. Representations of birds, flowers, fish, and scenery as well as portraits, adorn the walls, while display cabinets contain such decorations as necklaces, rings and brooches. The collection is not large, but the inspiration behind it is obvious.

Huang is the first to admit that the efforts of one person are not enough to preserve an art form. "If we do not pay serious attention to preserving the Chinese cultural heritage for future generations, we will probably have to learn about it from history books," she warns. She points out that Han Kung flowers can be made in the home and learned in home economics courses in high schools. As if to prove her point, Huang said that she has even managed to teach her husband the rudiments of the art.

[Picture Caption]

Han Kung flowers are made from satin or silk and come in various shapes and sizes ranging from paintings to decorations. 1. Han Kung flowers can be realistic. 2. Wicker tray. 3. Slippers. 4. Han Kung flower decorations are used as accessories by women in Asia. These rings, necklaces and earrings are just a few examples. 5. Han Kung flower cards make attractive gifts.

Huang Ching-lien teaches how to make Han Kung flowers. 1. Huang corrects a student's work. 2. Class under way. 3. Han Kung flower paintings. 4. Tulip. 5. White crane in the clouds.

Wicker tray.

Slippers.

Han Kung flower decorations are used as accessories by women in Asia. These rings, necklaces and earrings are just a few examples.

Huang corrects a student's work.

Huang Ching-lien teaches how to make Han Kung flowers. 1. Huang corrects a student's work.

Han Kung flower paintings.

Han Kung flower paintings.