Collaborative Innovation of Handicraft Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cultural Creative Design: Ningxia Yanchi Handmade Carpet

Abstract

Ningxia Yanchi handmade carpets have a history of more than 300 years. They are one of the important handicrafts intangible cultural heritages (ICH) in China, similar to other handicrafts, facing the challenge of disconnecting from daily life. Cultural and creative development, as an important non-inheritable approach, has played a significant role in the modernisation and branding of various arts and crafts. The purpose of this study is to analyse the technological process and creation mode of Ningxia Yanchi handmade carpets on the basis of the theory of design affairology, and to propose a new optimal design framework. Based on the theory of design transactions, establish the "thing" logic in the creation of Yanchi handmade carpets and extract "elements". By transitioning from "thing" to "elements" in terms of graphical structure and colours, the individual pattern elements with modern aesthetics are organised. Based on the theoretical research foundation of Design Doctrine, cultural and creative design has the characteristics of clear thematic expression and coherent structure, which not only satisfies people's daily needs through traditional forms but also promotes the revival of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. It can serve as a new path for the innovation and development of traditional techniques. From a practical perspective, design affairology combines traditional skills of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) with cultural creative design, creating new avenues for research and development of ICH-related designs. At the same time, the modernisation of ICH products through cultural and creative design is just one approach to heritage preservation and protection, expanding the scope of theoretical research.