Shining a light

This exhibition not only marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, but also strengthens cultural ties between the two nations. It shines a light on the creative contributions of women, offering a poignant reminder of the power of art to transcend borders, bringing communities together.

Representatives from five workshops traveled to Paris to showcase their craftsmanship. Among them was Xing, an employee of Tan Mujiang, a Chongqing-based brand renowned for its handcrafted wooden combs.

"In the factory, I've experienced a different kind of care — there's no discrimination, no inequality. Everyone gets along harmoniously and I feel a strong sense of warmth," Xing says. "I've found dignity and confidence in this work and I can support myself."

Xing has worked with the company for 22 years and met her husband, also a worker with physical challenges, through their adjacent roles on the production line. She and her husband have bought an apartment and a car and are living a fulfilling life.

Dai Dan, another employee from Tan Mujiang, led a team of eight employees, including Xing, to Paris for the exhibition. According to her, more than 300 of the 700 workers at their factory are people with physical challenges. "We assign roles based on the specific abilities of our employees, allowing them to maximize their potential. For example, workers with hearing impairments are assigned to noisy environments where the sound doesn't affect them," Dai says.

The wooden comb brand has grown to own more than 1,000 stores across China and abroad, with overseas locations in the United States, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia. By bringing its products to Paris, Dai hopes to introduce the artistry of Chinese crafts to the French.