In 1968 a pair of 13.5cm Liuli ear cups were discovered in the historical tomb of Han Emperor Liu Sheng in Hebei Province. Analysis dates the Liuli back 2100 years, making it the oldest existing Chinese artifact created from Pate-de-verre (lost-wax casting). Pate-de-verre(lost-wax casting) was once thought to have originated in 19th century France, but this unearthing shows that the Chinese mastered the technique in the Han Dynasty (206-220 BC). In the name of experimental archaeology, China’s first Liuli arts workshop, Liuligongfang, reproduced these ear cups in 1998, bringing new life to Chinese Liuli. These ear cups are currently housed in the LIULI CHINA entry, a symbol of Chinese Liuli culture and the rebirth of an ancient treasure!

The LIULI CHINA has acquired over 400 pieces of ancient Chinese Liuli. Spanning from the Western Chou to the Ming, each dynasty is represented. The Liuli comes in many forms including jewelry, animal-shaped accessories, belt-buckles, cups, bowls and bottles. Not only do these priceless cultural artifacts represent the wealth of Chinese Liuli history, they also symbolize its origin. These works will be displayed in rotation at the LIULI CHINA to inspire Liuli artists and enthusiasts and provide them with a rich resource for creating the Liuli of tomorrow.