Yicraftslondon

Yicraftslondon Experiencing authentic Chinese ethnic minorities’ culture handcrafts in London

When people speak about the Yi people, they often imagine one culture. But across Yunnan, Yi communities are incredibly...
16/05/2026

When people speak about the Yi people, they often imagine one culture.
But across Yunnan, Yi communities are incredibly diverse.

Different Yi subgroups developed their own languages, embroidery traditions, colours, silhouettes, and ceremonial dress — shaped by mountains, migration, and local histories.

In this exhibition, we present works from communities including the Laluoba Yi, Kopu Yi and Nisu Yi.

The Laluoba were historically connected to the Nanzhao Kingdom, which once ruled much of Southwest China from Yunnan over a thousand years ago.

Through bridal wear, embroidery, and adornment, these garments reveal the richness and complexity of Yi identity across Yunnan — where every subgroup carries its own visual language, memory, and story.

On view in last day
Brides of the Mountains ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ


Last two days of Brides of the Mountains ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ as part of Join us for a guided tour and discover the stories behind Yi...
15/05/2026

Last two days of Brides of the Mountains ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ
as part of

Join us for a guided tour and discover the stories behind Yi bridal wear — garments that mothers and women spend years making, stitch by stitch, as a final blessing for their daughters before marriage.

Guided Tours:
📍 Fitzrovia Gallery

16 May 2026
14:00–15:00
16:00–17:00

17 May 2026
14:00–15:00

We look forward to welcoming you 🏔️

This year, we bring Yi 彝 people’s craft to Join us to explore the meaning behind “ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ”May 12–17 ｜ 12:00–18:00The Fitz...
13/05/2026

This year, we bring Yi 彝 people’s craft to

Join us to explore the meaning behind “ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ”

May 12–17 ｜ 12:00–18:00
The Fitzrovia Gallery

Curator
spatial design：
Organizer: .craft
Graphic Design:

05/05/2026

🧵 Sashiko Workshop | Stitch, Mend, Transform

Sashiko began as a way to repair and strengthen worn clothing —
a quiet practice of care, patience, and making things last.

Today, it continues as a form of slow stitching, where every line carries rhythm, intention, and story.

Join us at Yi Crafts Studio to explore this beautiful tradition through hands-on making:

🧵 Beginner Sashiko Class (2 hours)
Learn the foundational stitches and patterns — perfect if you’re new to Sashiko or hand stitching.

🪡 Sashiko Jacket Workshop (4 hours)
Work on your own jacket and transform it through stitching, pattern, and texture — creating a truly personal piece.

No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to slow down.

📍 Yi Crafts Studio, London
Book your spot at www.yicrafts.com

Come stitch with us, and discover the beauty of making with time 💙

Introducing our collaborators:Moonland Nuosu (彝人造物) .craft Working closely with Nuosu Yi communities in Liangshan, Sichu...
04/05/2026

Introducing our collaborators:
Moonland Nuosu (彝人造物) .craft

Working closely with Nuosu Yi communities in Liangshan, Sichuan, their work preserves and shares traditional dress, craft, and cultural knowledge.

The Nuosu Yi are one of the largest Yi subgroups in Southwest China, known for bold forms of dress, geometric embroidery, and silver adornment that carries meaning, identity, and protection.

Together, we bring this story to London through
Brides of the Mountains ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ

12–17 May 2026 12:00 - 18:00
📍Fitzrovia Gallery, London, W1T 5EN

27/04/2026

Who are the Nuosu Yi?

The Nuosu Yi are one of the largest Yi subgroups in Southwest China, living primarily in the mountainous region of Liangshan, Sichuan. Their culture is shaped by landscape, language, and strong community traditions.

Known for bold forms of dress, geometric embroidery, and the use of silver as protection, Nuosu Yi craft reflects identity, strength, and ancestral knowledge.

This is the beginning of a story we bring to London.

Brides of the Mountains ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ

12–17 May 2026

We started running crafts tours to Yunnan a few years ago, but actually everything started way before then.Our Story: Fr...
25/04/2026

We started running crafts tours to Yunnan a few years ago, but actually everything started way before then.

Our Story: From the First Guides in Dali to a New Generation of Cultural Journeys

Long before Yunnan became a destination on the global travel map, my parents were already there—welcoming the first wave of international travelers into Dali.

At that time, China had just begun opening up, and very few locals spoke English. Travelers who made it to Yunnan weren’t looking for checklists—they were looking for connection, curiosity, and something completely unknown.

My parents didn’t just guide tours.
They brought people into homes, shared meals, and translated not just language—but culture.

In 1986, on what would later become Dali’s “foreigner street,” my grandfather opened a small place called Star Cafe (太白楼).

Star Cafe slowly became something more than a café.It became a place of exchange.

I grew up surrounded by these stories—but like many people, I had to leave home to truly see it.

When I was 20, I moved to the UK to study.
And slowly, distance changed everything.

The things I had taken for granted—local crafts, village life, the pace of Yunnan—started to feel rare. Meaningful. Worth preserving.

I began to see my hometown more completely, from the outside looking back in.

Years later, working with artisans through Yi Crafts, I found myself reconnecting with those roots in a new way.

Starting these journeys in Yunnan didn’t feel like a big decision. It just felt natural.

Like continuing something that had always been there—connecting people, cultures, and stories.

From a small café in the 1980s to what we’re building today… it’s all part of the same journey 💙

The Lalo Yi of Yunnan are one of many Yi subgroups, each with distinct dress traditions.Living in the mountainous region...
21/04/2026

The Lalo Yi of Yunnan are one of many Yi subgroups, each with distinct dress traditions.

Living in the mountainous regions of western Yunnan, between the upper Mekong and Red River valleys, the Lalo are often associated with the “Western Yi” cultural sphere. Their historical roots are closely linked to Weishan, once the centre of the Nanzhao Kingdom founded by Lalo ancestors in the 8th century.

This wedding garment from Diao Cao village reflects a richly varied approach to colour, embroidery, and form. Differences between subgroups are expressed through silhouette, ornament, and pattern — revealing the diversity within Yi culture.

On view in
Brides of the Mountains ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ


📍 Fitzrovia Gallery, London, W1T 5EN
📅 12–17 May 2026
🕛 12:00–18:00

Photo by Guan Xu

16/04/2026

A dress that carries a home.
A story told from mother to daughter.

Brides of the Mountains ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ
Yi Wedding Craft Heritage in China

From Yi people in Southwest China, these garments are stitched over time — carrying memory, protection, and the meaning of home.

Coming soon to London Craft Week 2026



📍 Fitzrovia Gallery
📅 12–17 May 12:00-18:00

Address

London

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Yicraftslondon posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Yicraftslondon:

Shortcuts

Share

Category