Exploring Traditional Chinese Crafts: A Modern-Day Marco Polo's Journey

As 2024 marks the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, intriguing stories emerge of individuals inspired by the legendary traveler's journeys. One such individual is Alessandro Martini, a young Italian from Milan, who steps into the limelight as he embraces Polo’s spirit in the recent dance theatre production "Invisible Cities". Ever since his early school days, Alessandro has been captivated by Marco Polo's tales, and this fuelled his desire to explore China.

After years of anticipation, Alessandro made his dream a reality, embarking on an eight-year adventure through various regions of China. His experiences revealed to him the treasure trove of intangible cultural heritage unique to China—a testament to the rich tapestry of techniques and knowledge passed down through generations. Alessandro has taken upon himself the role of a modern-day Marco Polo, intimately connecting with local artisans and immersing himself in traditional crafts as well as visiting youth-operated shops and museums.

During one of his explorations, Alessandro traveled to Nantong in Jiangsu Province, a city steeped in cultural richness and history, previously mentioned in Marco Polo's writings. Here, his focus was on mastering the beautiful Blue Calico dyeing technique. This dyeing process, which combines raw materials like cotton and Lan grass—known to provide a vibrant indigo dye—offers a glimpse into nature, reflecting the traditional Chinese belief of harmony with the environment. The intricate blue and white patterns crafted from sustainably sourced materials not only symbolize nature but also showcase the environmental consciousness embedded in Chinese craftsmanship.

Following this, Alessandro ventured to Suzhou, another gem in Jiangsu Province, to delve into the mortise and tenon construction techniques at the Xiangshan Guild. This visit holds special significance as Venice, Marco Polo's hometown, and Suzhou are recognized as sister cities, tying their legacies together. The Xiangshan Guild, though lesser-known internationally, plays a crucial role in the architectural feats of landmark structures like the Forbidden City and the Ming Dynasty Imperial Tombs.

The guild’s craftsmanship is renowned for using the mortise and tenon technique, which ingeniously connects wood without nails or glue. This ancient method allows for a sublime balance of strength and flexibility, ensuring longevity and resilience, in harmony with the principles of traditional Chinese architecture. The joints interlock perfectly, maintaining form and stability, a reflection of the philosophical wisdom ingrained in ancient Chinese practices.

Throughout his journey, Alessandro not only learns but actively engages in sharing these exquisite traditional skills with a broader audience. Through workshops and online platforms, he aims to illuminate the intricacies of Chinese crafts to global observers, offering an accessible window into a world rich with culture and tradition that many are yet to experience. No longer confined to books, the story of Marco Polo continues to inspire a new generation of explorers like Alessandro Martini.

In conclusion, Alessandro Martini’s journey echoes the spirit of discovery as he traverses through the time-honored realms of Chinese craftsmanship, making authentic connections and imparting wisdom from the past to the present. With each craft learned and story told, Alessandro embodies the essence of being a modern Marco Polo, enticing others to embark on their own journeys of discovery.

For those interested in following his adventures further, content is available on Youth China's YouTube channel, where Alessandro shares his experiences and the intricate details of the crafts he studies.