1. Definition & Core Identity

Ronghua, literally "velvet flowers," is a time-honored traditional Chinese craft that creates exquisite, lifelike floral ornaments using silk velvet thread, copper wire, and other materials. Revered as "the flower that never fades," it is celebrated for its soft texture, vibrant colors, and delicate craftsmanship. As an integral part of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, ronghua embodies the nation’s aesthetic pursuit of harmony between nature and art, and its deep-rooted connection to folk customs and rituals.

2. Historical Origins & Development

2.1 Origins (Tang Dynasty, 618–907 CE)

The craft of ronghua traces its roots to the Tang Dynasty, a golden age of Chinese art and culture. Historical records and archaeological findings (such as silk velvet ornaments unearthed from Tang tombs) confirm that early ronghua was used to decorate imperial costumes, hairpieces, and ritual objects. The Tang court favored velvet flowers for their luxurious appearance, and the craft flourished under royal patronage.

2.2 Flourishing (Song to Ming Dynasties, 960–1644 CE)

During the Song Dynasty, ronghua evolved from imperial use to popular folk art. Artisans refined techniques to create smaller, more intricate pieces, which became essential accessories for women’s hairstyles and traditional costumes. By the Ming Dynasty, regional craft schools emerged, with Nanjing (then the imperial capital) becoming the center of ronghua production—earning the reputation "Nanjing velvet flowers lead the nation."

2.3 Peak (Qing Dynasty, 1644–1912 CE)

The Qing Dynasty marked the golden age of ronghua. The craft reached unprecedented levels of sophistication, with artisans mastering complex techniques to replicate hundreds of flower varieties (e.g., peonies, peaches, plum blossoms) and even birds, butterflies, and mythical creatures. Ronghua became a mandatory accessory for imperial concubines (adorned in hair buns and robes) and a symbol of status among the nobility. Folk use also expanded: it was widely worn during festivals, weddings, and coming-of-age ceremonies.

2.4 Modern Preservation (20th Century–Present)

In the 20th century, ronghua faced decline due to the rise of modern accessories and social changes. However, conservation efforts began in the late 20th century. In 2008, "Nanjing Ronghua Craft" was officially inscribed on China’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, supported by government funding and cultural initiatives, the craft is experiencing a revival.

3. Craftsmanship Process (7 Core Steps)

Creating ronghua requires meticulous skill and patience, with each piece typically taking 3–7 days to complete. The traditional process involves seven key steps:

1. Material Preparation: High-quality silk velvet thread (dyed in natural or synthetic colors) and thin copper wire (for framing) are selected. The velvet thread is sorted by thickness to match different floral parts (petals, stamens, leaves).
2. Frame Shaping: Copper wire is bent into the outline of petals, leaves, or entire flower heads using small pliers. The frame must be precise to ensure the final shape is natural.
3. Velvet Wrapping: The silk velvet thread is tightly wrapped around the copper frame. Artisans control tension to create even, smooth coverage, avoiding loose threads or gaps. For layered flowers (e.g., peonies), multiple wrapped frames are prepared in varying sizes.
4. Component Assembly: Wrapped petals and leaves are assembled into a complete flower using silk thread or glue. The order of assembly (from inner stamens to outer petals) mimics the growth of real flowers.
5. Shaping & Sculpting: Using fingers and small tools, artisans shape the petals and leaves to add curvature and dimension, making the flower look lifelike.
6. Fixing & Setting: The assembled flower is sprayed with a light starch solution to stiffen the velvet, then air-dried to preserve its shape.
7. Finishing Touches: Details such as dewdrops (made from transparent resin) or gold foil accents are added to enhance beauty. The finished ronghua is attached to hairpins, hair combs, or brooches for wear.

4. Cultural Significance & Traditional Uses

4.1 Symbolism

Ronghua carries rich symbolic meaning rooted in Chinese culture:

• Prosperity & Honor: The pronunciation "rong" (velvet) is homophonic with "rong" (glory/prosperity) in Chinese, making ronghua a symbol of success and dignity.
• Longevity & Good Luck: Flowers like peaches (symbolizing longevity) and plum blossoms (symbolizing resilience) are common motifs, used to pray for blessings.
• Purity & Elegance: The soft, lustrous texture of velvet represents grace and refinement, reflecting traditional Chinese aesthetic values.

4.2 Traditional Applications

• Hair Accessories: Women and children wore ronghua in their hair during festivals (Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival), weddings, and birthdays. Brides often adorned their hair with ronghua peonies (symbolizing marital bliss).
• Costume Decoration: Ronghua decorated imperial robes, traditional opera costumes, and folk attire, adding luxury and symbolism.
• Ritual & Ceremonial Use: It was used as offerings in temples, decorations for ancestral altars, and gifts for important occasions.

4.3 Regional Representative: Nanjing Ronghua

Nanjing ronghua is the most renowned school, known for its delicate craftsmanship and vivid designs. The local saying "Nanjing velvet flowers never fade; a single piece can be passed down for three generations" highlights its durability and cultural value.

5. Modern Inheritance & Innovation

5.1 Inheritance Efforts

• Master Artisans: National-level inheritors (e.g., Zhao Shuxian) have dedicated their lives to preserving the craft, training apprentices and documenting techniques.
• Educational Programs: Ronghua workshops and courses are offered in schools and cultural centers to introduce young people to the craft.
• Exhibitions & Promotion: Ronghua works are displayed in museums (e.g., Nanjing Folk Custom Museum) and international exhibitions, raising global awareness.

5.2 Contemporary Innovations

• Design Adaptation: Modern artisans create ronghua in minimalist styles, adapting them to contemporary fashion (e.g., ronghua earrings, necklaces) and home decor.
• Material Experimentation: While traditional silk velvet remains primary, some artisans use eco-friendly materials (e.g., recycled velvet) to align with modern values.
• Cultural Integration: Ronghua is combined with other crafts (e.g., paper cutting, embroidery) or incorporated into digital media (e.g., animations, virtual exhibitions) to reach wider audiences.

6. Key Terms Explanation

• Ronghua: The official name of the craft, combining "rong" (silk velvet) and "hua" (flower). Preferred over literal "velvet flowers" in cultural and academic contexts.
• Silk Velvet Thread: The core material, made from twisted silk fibers with a soft, fuzzy surface.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): A UNESCO-recognized category of cultural practices, traditions, and crafts passed down through generations.