In a sunlit workshop in Urumqi, Meng Lulu's hands glide across supple leather, her tools etching intricate floral patterns into the material. For over a decade, this city-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor has dedicated herself to preserving Xinjiang's leather carving craft—an art form blending Uygur aesthetics with Central Asian influences.
A Labor of Cultural Preservation
Meng's journey began through apprenticeships with elder craftspeople, learning traditional techniques passed down generations. "Each carving tells our story—the vibrant colors mirror our festivals, the geometric patterns echo ancient trade routes," she explains. Her works now range from wallet-size motifs to wall-sized tapestries requiring months of meticulous work.
Crafting Modern Relevance
While maintaining traditional methods, Meng experiments with contemporary designs to appeal to younger audiences. Recent collaborations with fashion designers have introduced leather-carved accessories to international markets. "Preservation doesn't mean freezing in time," she notes. "It's about keeping the soul alive through evolving forms.\p>
