Reviving a traditional craft is not merely about repeating the molds of the past; it is breathing new spirit into that heritage through the sensibility and language of today. Welcoming visitors at Somerset House as part of London Design Festival 2026, the exhibition “Reviving Craft: Reflection of the Mind” brings China’s intangible cultural heritage and contemporary design prowess to London with precisely this philosophical depth.
Curated by entrepreneur and journalist Yang Lan alongside Su Dan, Vice President of the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, the selection establishes the final chapter of a trilogy around the theme of “human and self-mind,” following its previous stops in Paris (human and nature) and Milan (human and society). Bringing together over 60 artists and more than 100 works, traditional materials such as silk, porcelain, lacquer, filigree, embroidery, and weaving reflect a profound Eastern philosophy symbolizing the mind’s purification (Buddhism), nourishment (Taoism), and maturation (Confucianism).
The exhibition presents an innovative platform where traditional craft and technology do not clash, but rather complement one another. Grounded in an AI documentary Yang Lan filmed a decade ago, this approach validates the premise held by tech experts that “our skilled hands are the last bastion of human intelligence and dignity.” Multimedia installations in the space utilize artificial intelligence to visualize the micro-details of traditional embroidery stitches and the artisan’s manual labor on a monumental scale.
Works such as Wu Gaozhong’s Chair, Lie Yang’s Ripple of Light, Shuang Xi’s Soft Monolith, Wu Haoyu’s New Stoneware 2024, and Rosalie Huang’s traditional bridal gown elevate Chinese design beyond an insular, ancient tradition into a modern, outward-looking, and liberated expression. Running at Somerset House through September 27, 2026, this comprehensive exhibition also allows visitors to personally experience that deep-rooted bond between mind and hand through interactive craft workshops for adults and children alike.
