Have you ever marveled at the intricate beauty of mortise and tenon joinery? Without using a single nail or screw, this ancient Chinese woodworking technique creates structures that stand strong for centuries. Today, a 66-year-old craftsman from Shandong province, Wang Dewen, is bringing this traditional skill to global audiences through social media.
Known affectionately as "Grandpa Amu" by his fans, Wang has amassed over a million subscribers on YouTube, with his videos surpassing 200 million views. His delicate woodwork creations have astonished international audiences, demonstrating how traditional culture can find new life through digital platforms.
01 The Artistry of Mortise and Tenon: Preserving Intangible Heritage
Mortise and tenon construction represents the soul of traditional Chinese architecture and furniture. This joinery technique, which relies on precisely carved interlocking wood components, has played a significant role in global architectural history. Recognized as intangible cultural heritage, it showcases the ingenuity of Chinese craftsmanship.
Wang's path to mastery began in 1957 in rural Shandong. After losing his father at a young age and with his mother in poor health, the 13-year-old left school to apprentice with local carpenters. Determined to perfect his skills, Wang sought out the finest masters, understanding that excellence would command better prices in the marketplace.
Through relentless practice and guidance from his teachers, Wang developed exceptional skill. His furniture became renowned for both durability and aesthetic appeal, attracting a steady stream of customers.
02 Tradition Meets Technology: A Cultural Renaissance
Wang's quiet life changed when he moved to Guangxi to help care for his grandson. During spare moments, he began crafting wooden toys from scrap materials - airplanes, spinning tops, building blocks, even characters from popular cartoons.
His son, Wang Baocheng, a professional video creator specializing in rural content, saw potential in documenting these creations. Their first video featuring a traditional Lu Ban bench went viral overnight, gaining millions of views.
The subsequent international popularity of Wang's YouTube channel illustrates the powerful synergy between traditional craftsmanship and digital media. The internet provides a stage for ancient arts, while exceptional skill brings fresh vitality to online content.
Wang's success reflects growing global appreciation for traditional techniques in our fast-paced world. The wisdom embedded in mortise and tenon joinery, along with its cultural significance, attracts increasing admiration - representing not just respect for heritage, but a return to thoughtful craftsmanship.
03 Cultural Commerce: Traditional Crafts Empower Rural Economies
The experience economy surrounding traditional crafts shows remarkable growth potential. For Chinese communities abroad, these artifacts maintain powerful connections to cultural roots. When products carry distinctive regional characteristics, their appeal expands from local to global markets.
Traditional crafts have become crucial for rural e-commerce development. By combining local specialties with cultural elements, cross-border sellers can introduce these products to international audiences. This approach allows overseas Chinese to acquire culturally significant items while introducing global consumers to Chinese traditions.
04 Globalizing Heritage: Cultural Confidence in Practice
Chinese traditional crafts gain popularity both as social media phenomena and commercial products. In Guangxi villages, artisans weave rattan into exquisite handicrafts destined for global markets through e-commerce platforms. In Shandong's Jimo region, lace-making techniques with 2,000 years of history have been exported since 1995, with home textiles featuring these patterns proving particularly popular in European and South American markets.
As material abundance reduces product differentiation, cultural value becomes increasingly significant. The traditional craft sector now emphasizes experiential offerings, creating unique cultural encounters that attract consumers. Cross-border sellers must remain attuned to market trends, adjusting strategies to meet evolving demands.
Wang's story offers valuable insight: traditional culture possesses enduring vitality. Through thoughtful innovation and presentation, these ancient arts can shine anew in the modern era, providing strong cultural foundations for Chinese brands expanding globally.
05 Conclusion: Cultural Confidence for Sustainable Development
Wang Dewen's journey represents more than individual success - it mirrors China's cultural globalization. True cultural confidence emerges not through isolation, but by blending outstanding traditions with contemporary elements, presenting them openly to the world. In our interconnected age, such cultural exchanges allow global audiences to appreciate Chinese heritage while contributing to shared human understanding.