Filigree Mosaic art, a traditional imperial handicraft dating back to the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC), reached its peak in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). In 1958, five cooperatives specialized in Filigree Mosaic art in Beijing merged into one factory, which had revived this traditional art from almost extinction. In 2008, Filigree Mosaic art was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage.
Four main crafts, namely making filigree, inlaying jewels, engraving and making the rough-body, are involved in the art, where a product needs to go through about 100 procedures. Nowadays, these skills are still being imparted by a master to an apprentice in a literally hand-holding manner, and can only be grasped through long-time practices.
