With the warm syrup flowing onto the cool stone slab to trace vivid birds, flowers, and zodiac animals, these amber strands delivered more than just sweetness; they ignited a dialogue between cultures that knew no borders. Recently, Hübschmann·Zhan School welcomed a special guest instructor—Ms. Li Fengyan, an inheritor of the Li Family Sugar Painting tradition. With techniques steeped in centuries of craftsmanship, she immersed both Chinese and German students in an interactive cultural heritage class, allowing everyone to sense the charm of Chinese traditional culture by working with the warm, sweet syrup.
To begin the class, Ms. Li unveiled the "history" of Sugar Painting for the students. She explained how its evolution has been deeply intertwined with Chinese folk life. The craft is exceptionally particular about its materials, requiring high-purity, bright-colored malt sugar to achieve syrup that is both pliable and translucent. The techniques ingeniously combine drawing, molding, and even sculpting in mid-air. Mastering the skill of forming a complete figure in one continuous, unbroken line demands decades of dedicated practice.
During the hands-on session, under Ms. Li's patient guidance, the students carefully attempted to trace outlines and fill in patterns. A hushed awe fell over the room, their eyes wide with fascination and concentration. Sugar Painting is not merely a craft; it carries the life wisdom of the Chinese people. In the past, street sugar painters could conjure a whole day's joy for children with just a ladle of syrup. Today, this art form has evolved into a bridge connecting tradition and modernity of China and the world. The first encounter with Sugar Painting often captivates children with its beauty—this is the power of culture.
Each student received a piece of Sugar Painting crafted personally by Ms. Li. Holding this "sweet cultural gift" carefully in their hands, they broke through cultural barriers and genuinely grasped the meaning that "Culture Knows No Borders." It was a memorable moment, allowing students from different countries to experience the charm of diverse cultures right here in our school!
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