Bobbin lace is woven from several wooden bobbins wrapped with thread. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_5aece48781aa]

Bobbin lace, an art form intricately woven using wooden bobbins wrapped in thread, found its way from Europe to Yantai, East China's Shandong province, in the 19th century, becoming a beloved tradition among locals.

Throughout the decades, Yantai bobbin lace has evolved through the careful stewardship of numerous artisans, preserving European techniques while embracing the vibrant local culture.

Zou Hanzhen, a prominent inheritor of bobbin lace in Yantai, hails from a distinguished family in Yantai known for this craft. With her nimble hands, she deftly manipulates dozens, even hundreds, of bobbins to create a myriad of patterns depicting flowers, birds, mountains, and rivers.

Folk artist Zou Hanzhen showcases an umbrella made with bobbin lace. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_5aece48781aa]

In recent years, Zou has been active in cultural exhibitions and community events, showcasing the art of bobbin lace in live demonstrations. She has also taken to social media, using online platforms to exhibit the charm of this fading folk art, attracting a growing audience.