Jinyinxigong in ancient times

The most distinguished feature of this craft is all the works are purely handmade. In conclusion, Jinyinxigong is a unique and delicate traditional Chinese technique.

This kind of superb handicrafts dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c. 16th century – 221 BC), which means that it has nearly 4,000 years of history.

Besides the copper sheet, there’s also a copper jar on the table. In the jar were many steel tools shaped like big needles. Master Wu told me these are Zanzi (like different kinds of screwdrivers), specifically used to carve metal. There were also several hammers as well. The most amazing part is that all the tools, even the copper jar were beautifully made by themselves.

At the very beginning, after forging they could only use files to make the first Zanzi, then they started to use it for other Zanzi and tools. The whole process is a must for their fundamental exercise as an apprentice, laying the foundation for further skill improvements.

Jinyinxigong in modern times, produced by Master Shen Guoxing

When I asked the total number of the tools, Master Wang laughed and told me he had never counted due to the immense quantity of the tools. For Zanzi alone, the amount will be over the hundreds, not mention all kinds of hammers and files.

There must be more than a thousand different kinds of tools, as the craft of Jinyinxigong requires every detail to be perfect. A fine work involves millions upon millions of strikes and each Zanzi is used for a particular pattern.

Zanzi and hammer