Art Appreciation

Location:
China

art, shopping, culture

By Somer Ogrodnek

While traveling in Xi'an, I found some treasures at the market located in the Muslim Quarter. This wonderful market, blended with Chinese and Muslim cultures, can be found behind the Drum Tower. Here you can sample a wide variety of street food such as hot steamed dumplings, kabobs, dried candied sweets, and many teas. But, of course folks are drawn here for the shopping for it is such a fantastic place to bargain. I picked up some scarves, jewelry, chopsticks, and even a chess set, all which are sad to say "fake". But my real find here was a little art vendor that I stumbled upon down a side alley. The artists name is Ding Ji Tang. Here, Tang sells his unique Peasant style woodcut prints. He has hundreds, all which are extremely colorful and beautiful. I later learned that he was a popluar art professor in Xi'an as well as once in the States and considered a "wood cut expert". I recommend all to visit this humble, little old man. I never met someone so passionate about art as he was. Speaking very little English, Tang was more than happy to show me around and tried to explain his prints. I bought several. How could I not for an amount equivalent to a couple of American Dollars? I was so impressed not only by the beauty of Tangs' work but also by the beauty of how genuine he was. When I asked him to autograph a copy of his book, he was ever so gracious to do so and gave me deals on the prints. After such a great experience, I had to go back the very next day to purchase some more before my trip had ended. Tang was so appreciative of my return, he happily motioned to have a picture taken with me. I will never forget the huge smile across his face to see a returning costumer who admired his work.

Further Information

Travel tips: Bargain, Bargain, Bargain!! Try as much as the street food as you can.

Must see/do at this place: Must visit Ding Ji Tang's art shop. No. 32 North Road in the Muslim Market.

You should avoid here: Paying full asking price of the vendors.