Ronghua, a delicate Chinese intangible cultural heritage, have flourished for over 1,400 years since the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Originally exclusive ornaments for emperors and nobles (once called "palace flowers"), they later gained popularity among common people and reached their prime in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Their cultural significance lies largely in the homophone meaning: "Ronghua" sounds exactly like the Chinese phrase for "prosperity and glory", embodying people's wishes for a wealthy and smooth life. They also symbolize eternal beauty (as they never wither like real flowers) and sincere love, making them essential decorations in weddings and festivals. Crafted from natural silk and fine copper wire, the making involves over a dozen intricate steps—from silk refining and dyeing to shaping and assembling—each requiring meticulous craftsmanship.