What are handicrafts, and how are they classified?
Release Date:
2026-03-24
Crafts refer to practical yet artistic objects or decorative items fashioned by the hands of working people; they constitute one of the forms of arts and crafts. These are various handicrafts created through artistic techniques, combining utility with aesthetic value. Consequently, they typically possess a dual nature: they are both material products and, to varying degrees, embody spiritual aesthetic qualities.
Crafts refer to objects that are both functional and artistic, or decorative items fashioned by the hands of working people; they constitute one of the forms of arts and crafts. These are various handicrafts created through artistic techniques, combining practical utility with aesthetic value. Consequently, they typically possess a dual nature: they are material products while also embodying, to varying degrees, spiritual and aesthetic qualities. As material products, they reflect the level of material and cultural production characteristic of a particular era and society; as spiritual products, their visual imagery—form, color, and decoration—express the prevailing aesthetic sensibilities of that time. Crafts are generally divided into two main categories: first, everyday crafts—practical household items that have been embellished and processed, such as dyed and woven textiles, ceramic ware, and furniture-making; second, display crafts—decorative objects intended solely for aesthetic appreciation, including ivory carvings, jade carvings, and ornamental paintings. China’s tradition of arts and crafts dates back to very early times: for instance, painted pottery emerged in the Neolithic period, incised white pottery appeared before the Shang Dynasty, and jade artifacts were already being produced during the Shang period. The realistic modeling and stylized patterns employed in these works demonstrate a strong combination of practicality and artistry. Moreover, the production of such crafts often exhibits distinct stylistic characteristics owing to differences in historical periods, geographical environments, economic conditions, levels of cultural and technological development, ethnic customs, and aesthetic preferences.
· Metal crafts
Gold and silverware | Ironwork | Copperware | Aluminumware | Steelware | Tinware | Alloyware | Pins/Emblems
· Bamboo and wood crafts
Wooden crafts | Bamboo crafts
· Glass crafts
Glassware Crafts | Crystal Glass Crafts | Frosted Glass Crafts | Glass Beads | Glassware | Glass Decorations
· Crystal crafts
Crystal Internal Carving (Painting) Series | Crystal Vessels | Crystal Decorations
· Ceramic handicrafts
Cloisonné Crafts | Celadon Crafts | Colored Porcelain Crafts | Yixing Clay Crafts | Soft-Paste Ceramic Crafts | Black Pottery Crafts | Red Pottery Crafts | Painted Pottery Crafts | Fluorescent White Porcelain Crafts
· Plastic crafts
General plastic crafts | Acrylic crafts | Plastic crafts
· Folk handicrafts
Lacquerware crafts | Clay sculpture crafts | Gourd crafts | Tie-dye crafts | Kites | Lanterns | Facial makeup masks | Craft umbrellas | Shadow puppets | Puppets | Cloth tigers | Flower drums | Folk art paintings
· Textiles and woven handicrafts
Needlework Crafts | Knitted Crafts | Embroidery Crafts | Cutwork Crafts | Tassel Crafts
· Carved handicrafts (695)
Bamboo and wood carving | Stone carving | Jade carving | Shell carving | Bone carving | Ivory carving | Root carving | Bronze carving
· Stone crafts
Gemstone and Jade Artifacts | Landscape Stone Artifacts | Marble Artifacts | Granite Artifacts | Sandstone Artifacts | Wooden Fish Stone Artifacts
· Plant-woven handicrafts
Bamboo weaving | Willow weaving | Straw weaving | Rattan weaving
· Resin crafts
Figure Sculptures | Animal Sculptures | Plant Sculptures | Scene Sculptures
· Natural handicrafts
Fur Crafts | Shell Crafts | Horn Crafts | Natural Plant Crafts | Natural Animal Crafts | Amber Crafts | Animal Bone Crafts | Feather Crafts
· Bionic simulation crafts
Artificial Plants | Artificial Animals | Artificial Rocks and Stones | Dried Flowers | Artificial Flowers | Silk Flowers | Artificial Fruits and Vegetables | Bonsai
· Electronic crafts
Pendants | Music Boxes | EVA Crafts | Decorative Clocks
· Religious handicrafts
Buddhist Crafts | Islamic Supplies | Christian Supplies | Hindu Supplies | Jewish Supplies
· Festival supplies
Wedding Supplies | Christmas Supplies | Easter Supplies | Halloween Supplies | Chinese New Year Supplies
· Promotional Gifts
Promotional Gifts | Electronic Gifts
Do you have any questions?
Please contact us.
Contact Us
Phone:13606825527(Zhou Guangxiang)
Phone:13906582690(Zhang Weiwei)
Address: Standard Factory Building, Shiniu Village, Yanjiang Town, Linhai City, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province
Follow us