Tan Zhiping – Inheritor of Enamelled Silverware-making Craft in Yongsheng County, Lijiang

Tan Zhiping is from Jin Guan Village, San Chuan Town, Yong Sheng County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province (丽江市永胜县三川镇金官村). As the fourth-generation inheritor of the “Tan Family Silversmith” (谭记银匠) and a representative inheritor of the Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage “Silver-based Cloisonné” (银胎掐丝珐琅) craftsmanship, Tan Zhiping plays a pivotal role in the inheritance of this traditional craft. In June 2021, the “Silver-based Cloisonné Craftsmanship (Yong Sheng Enamel Silverware Craftsmanship)” (银胎掐丝珐琅器制作技艺（永胜珐琅银器制作技艺）) was listed in the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative projects, and Tan Zhiping is a key figure in its transmission.

Growing up in a family of silversmiths, Tan Zhiping was immersed in the atmosphere of silverware making from a young age. At the age of 14, he began to learn the craft of enamel silverware from his grandfather Tan Chongjin (谭崇径), uncle Tan Jicheng (谭继成), and father Tan Jikang (谭继康). Over the years, through his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of traditional craftsmanship, he has honed his skills to perfection.

Building on the foundation of traditional craftsmanship, Tan Zhiping has actively engaged in innovation. He has successfully developed over 20 unique new products, including multi-shaped hundred-family locks, silver Buddhas, dragon-head pots, phoenix-head pots, peony flower pots, and new-style wine sets. His works are not only highly praised in the domestic market, with sales in cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai, but also have been exported to countries such as Myanmar and India.

The enamel silverware craftsmanship of Yong Sheng has a long history. Introduced to Yong Sheng County during the Yuan Dynasty, it has integrated cultural elements of Bai, Naxi, Tibetan, Yi, and other ethnic groups, giving it a distinct regional character. This craft combines silverware making and cloisonné techniques, employing traditional methods such as hammering, striking, riveting, plating, forging, chiseling, and inlaying. The main processes include melting silver, casting, pressing, shaping, welding, drawing wires, filigree, enameling, firing, cleaning, inspection, and packaging. Among them, filigree, enamel application, and firing are the core and highly challenging techniques. The finished cloisonné silverware is elegant in shape, following the tradition of “every picture has a meaning, and every meaning is auspicious,” with strong three-dimensionality, vibrant colors, and exquisite forms. It is a popular local specialty in Yunnan, often used for weddings, funerals, gifts, and for collection and appreciation. Tan Zhiping has mastered the essence of this craft, perfectly integrating silver filigree and cloisonné enamel techniques to showcase its high artistic value and profound cultural significance.

Tan Zhiping has received numerous honors for his exceptional skills and contributions. He has been awarded the titles of Yunnan Skill Master and Yunnan Metal Craftsman. His works have repeatedly won awards in national and provincial competitions. For example, his “Eight Treasures Cloisonné Tea Set” won the Gold Award at the Sixth Yunnan Provincial Arts and Crafts “Work Beauty Cup.” He also received the “Outstanding Inheritor Display Award” at the Third China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo.

Aware of the importance of inheritance, Tan Zhiping has actively engaged in training the next generation of craftsmen through school-enterprise cooperation and teaching. He is not only an outstanding craftsman but also a dedicated guardian and promoter of intangible cultural heritage. Thanks to his efforts, the traditional craft of Yong Sheng enamel silverware has been revitalized in modern society, shining with new vitality and vigor.