Meet He Kaishu, the 20-something innovator revolutionizing a 1,000-year-old craft! After studying in Germany, this grandson of legendary Dongyang bamboo weaving master He Fuli ditched conventional career paths in 2015 to apprentice at his family's workshop. Talk about embracing your roots! 🌱
Starting from scratch, Kaishu spent years mastering intricate techniques passed down through generations. But here's the twist: he began blending anime-inspired patterns, modern home decor aesthetics, and streetwear vibes into traditional bamboo art. The result? Chic lampshades that could grace a Milan design show and handbags trending on Xiaohongshu (China's Instagram). 👜
'We’re speaking the language of TikTok while keeping our ancestors' wisdom intact,' Kaishu told us, showing a bamboo skateboard deck that’s gone viral. His workshop now collaborates with international designers, proving that cultural heritage isn't just preserved in museums—it's living, breathing, and scrolling through your feed. 📲
