Fuzhou Cork Carving Art: A Feasibility Study on Designing New Products to Align with the Modern Market
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62051/6wraz016Keywords:
Fuzhou cork carving; Intangible cultural heritage; Product innovation; Modern market; Traditional craft revitalization.Abstract
Fuzhou cork carving art is an excellent representative of intangible cultural heritage in Fujian Province, China, and it has a rich history of more than a hundred years. Although it has a good style and a rich history, the craft is facing several problems in recent years: fewer consumers are interested in it; the product lines are limited; prices are relatively high; and young people are generally unfamiliar with the craft. This study aims to explore the feasibility of designing new cork carving products that meet contemporary lifestyle needs, thereby promoting the development of Fujian folk art culture. Using a combination of methods, this paper identifies current market gaps and consumer preferences, focusing on young people aged 18–35 as the main target group. The results indicate that technical conditions, latent market demand, and available design strategies are favorable for new product development. Some proposed categories of products are: portable decorative miniatures, gift-oriented framed panels, cork-carved bookmark sets, cultural tourism souvenirs. A multi-tier pricing and distribution model is recommended, integrating online and offline channels and collaborations with cultural tourism enterprises. This paper contributes to the theoretical research and practical development of living inheritance for intangible cultural heritage and provides empirical support for the revitalization of traditional crafts in China today.
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