Beijing – The Honkiao market, commonly known as the Pearl Market, is a sense of east feast in Beijing, the capital of China.
The Hongqiao market is more than just a place to shop. It’s a cultural experience. From electronics to silk and pearls, you can find everything. The market attracts both tourists and locals. Navigating busy corridors is an adventure.
As an Iranian journalist and representative of the Tehran Times, I explored the market on Thursday with other foreign journalists. In a lively atmosphere, I discovered the delicate art of the paintings inside. I met Liu Dong, the master of this unique craft in his workspace.
He greeted me with a warm smile. I knew I was in front of a real artist. His dedication to his skills was clear.
Li’s studio was small but meticulously organized. A small brush and a bottle lined up on his shelf. Each bottle had a miniature world. His finished work was amazing. The level of detail was incredible.
Our conversation revealed Mr. Li’s passion. He shared the history of the paintings inside.
He said the inner painting snuff bottle has been praised internationally as a pocket-sized artwork that integrates amazing craftsmanship and multiple Chinese crafts.
“When it comes to the interior painting and crafts, this is an intangible cultural heritage skill that has been handed down since the Qing Dynasty. As the heir to the fifth generation, the tradition and innovation of this art form spans almost 300 years. We continue to innovate and create new works.”
He said, “During the Winter Olympics in Beijing, we created an interior painting with a curl theme. This took quite a while. The craft focuses on creating the finished piece and requires extensive practice and study over the long term.
The painting of the bottle is a wonderful art. The artist draws the picture inside the glass bottle. They use a special bent brush. This process requires immeasurable skill and patience.
First, the artist inserts a small angled brush into the neck of the bottle. Then use the brush to paint the other way around. Each stroke must be accurate. The artist works from the foreground to the background. It may take days or weeks to finish a single bottle.
Li’s paintings often feature traditional Chinese motifs. Each image has cultural meanings. These symbols add depth to his artwork. They tell stories of history and mythology.
His work is exhibited at The China International Fair for the Service of China International Services (Ciftis) and featured at the Beijing Spring Festival Gala.
The paintings inside face many challenges. Mass-produced souvenirs are inexpensive. It’s difficult to find young people to learn to craft.
Efforts are underway to maintain this art. The workshops and exhibitions showcase the paintings of bottles. Government support is also helpful. These initiatives raise awareness. They also give the artists the opportunity.
My visit with Mr. Li was eye-opening. I have earned a deep appreciation for the drawing of the bottle. This art form is proof of Chinese culture. It is important to support these traditional artisans.
Yuge Xu, a master’s student in international communications from China University of Communications (CUC), accompanied me as an interpreter.
She shared her feelings about the paintings inside.
“As a student of international communication and a member of the younger generation who loves art, I deeply admire his decades of dedication to his skills and his embodiedness to his artisan spirit.
China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) held a visit to the Hongqiao market. Market visits are a component of CIPCC’s Media Exchange initiative for the first half of 2025.