Nearly 100 Hong Kong students tried their hand at the intricate art of glass painting, an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Weihai in East China’s Shandong province, on Tuesday at the HHCKLA Buddhist Wong Cho Sum School in Tseung Kwan O.  

Ma Jinxia, a designated inheritor of the traditional craft, demonstrated her expertise and mentored students during the workshop, guiding them in creating beautiful glassware through their creativity and craft skills.  

Weihai is one of the most important coastal cities in modern Chinese history and was among the first to open to international trade. Influenced by external factors and market demand, Weihai glass painting emerged in the 19th century, combining Western decorative art techniques with the detailed and vivid style of traditional Chinese painting. In July 2023, it was included in Weihai’s seventh batch of municipal intangible cultural heritage.

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The technique has been applied to various household objects, such as snuff bottles and decorative screens. It involves using special paints that adhere to glass surfaces and remain durable for everyday use.  

More specifically, painting inside a glass bottle — as the students did on Tuesday with round glass balls — requires drawing in reverse, which demands strong hand-eye coordination.

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This event, part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in School series in Hong Kong, was organized by the Federation of Hong Kong Shandong Community Organisations, China Merchants Port Holding Co, and other enterprises and organizations.