by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- A brand new collection of LIULI Crystal Art, "One Thought, One Universe," has become a major attraction at South Coast Plaza in Orange County, Southern California.

The collection, consisting of elegant crystal glass-topped tables, exemplifies the harmonious blend of artistic sophistication with environmental awareness.

The pieces are crafted using repurposed casting residual materials, employing green production methods that streamline manufacturing processes, minimize waste, and reduce carbon emissions.

"By incorporating green production methods, LIULI artworks achieve an impressive balance between traditional Chinese art, sustainability, and the reduction of our carbon footprint," said Loretta H. Yang, a renowned LIULI artist and founder of LIULI Crystal Art, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"LIULI" refers to a time-honored technique of ancient Chinese crystal glass craftsmanship. The glass's unique crystalline nature interacts with light, creating a dazzling contrast of shadow and illumination. The term "LIULI" is derived from China's Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD) and symbolizes the rich heritage of Chinese glass art.

At Bloomingdale's in South Coast Plaza, the LIULI collection is infused with vibrant colors, capturing the spirit of Chinese culture and offering a joyful and elegant experience to visitors.

In the interview, Yang explained how Chinese culture serves as the foundational source of inspiration for her works.

She emphasized that the cultural richness and symbolic meanings of traditional Chinese elements are integral to her creative process.

The art pieces are adorned with totems representing various aspects of Chinese philosophy on life and culture, incorporating auspicious symbols such as dragons, phoenixes, Qilin, and lotus flowers. They also reflect the poetic imagery of Tang and Song dynasties.

"The essence of Chinese culture is a crucial source of inspiration," Yang noted. "It is a vast and abundant resource that continuously nourishes our creative endeavors."

SHARING CHINESE STORIES WITH WESTERN AUDIENCES

LIULI artwork collections have attracted lots of visitors at South Coast Plaza, especially Americans who are drawn to works featuring elements of nature such as flowers, animals, and the vibrant imagery of Chinese cultural symbols.

"Dragons, phoenixes, and the twelve Chinese zodiac animals are particularly popular among Western audiences," Yang said.

The zodiac-themed pieces, in particular, draw significant attention around the Lunar New Year, a time of cultural celebration.

Yang emphasized the importance of sharing Chinese stories through art, aiming to build a bridge between cultures. "Each LIULI piece carries a core message of love. Every creation is unique, with its own story to tell. Each work comes with a dedicated poem, telling its story, imparting blessings, and establishing a connection between the artist and the viewer," Yang explained.

"We hope to showcase the charm of Chinese art and help foreign audiences understand Chinese culture through the poems and narratives behind each artwork," she added.

Founded in 1987 and expanding into the U.S. market in 1999, LIULI Crystal Art has grown from a modest workshop into one of Asia's leading creators of crystal art.

Yang said the company has developed strong partnerships with prominent American museums and galleries. "Through collaborative exhibitions and cultural exchanges, LIULI Crystal Art is committed to sharing the values of Chinese culture and fostering meaningful dialogue between East and West."

INSPIRING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

In response to the challenges posed by global warming, LIULI Crystal Art continues to integrate sustainability into its design process, prioritizing waste reduction and increasing the recycling of materials.

"We place a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness in our design process," Yang told Xinhua. "Our team is committed to adopting green production techniques that reduce manufacturing processes and repurpose leftover materials, aiming to improve carbon emissions and contribute to sustainable development."

One of the company's iconic pieces, the Earth Table, reduces carbon emissions by 341 kilograms -- equivalent to the carbon absorption of two camphor trees over 36 feet tall for a year, according to Yang.

Building on over 30 years of revitalizing the ancient art of pâte de verre, LIULI Crystal Art continues to evolve this Asian craft with modern technology, producing artworks that honor China's cultural heritage while embracing sustainable practices, Yang said. Enditem

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