For over two decades, Aisan Yimier has been perfecting the art of knife-making in Yingjisha (Yengisar) County, Kashi Prefecture, in the southern part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
- Aisan’s journey began when he was a child, learning the ancestral techniques for forging Yingjisha knives from his family and community.
- At the age of 30, he established his own workshop, showcasing the culmination of his lifelong dedication to the craft.
- Yingjisha knives have a rich history, dating back over four centuries and originating as practical tools for local herders and farmers.
The process of creating a Yingjisha knife is meticulous, involving 29 distinct steps, each executed by hand.
- Selection of the finest steel
- Hours of hammering, shaping and sharpening
- Engraving delicate motifs
- Forging the steel to create a single knife
A standard Yingjisha knife can range from 11 to 12 cm in length, while the longest can exceed half a meter, with the shortest measuring around 5 cm.
These knives come in diverse designs inspired by nature and culture, including the crescent moon, the phoenix tail, eagles and lark heads.
Visitors to Yingjisha have marveled at Aisan’s gold-encrusted knife, priced at 128,000 yuan ($1,800), crafted in 2022 and earning him the top prize at the Yingjisha Knife Craft Competition.
Preserving Tradition
The Uygur traditional knife-making craftsmanship of Yingjisha was inscribed into China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2008.
Many minority communities, shaped by centuries of nomadic life, have developed unique artisanal traditions recognized for their cultural significance.
Yi Chenyong, a 55-year-old Xibe craftsman, inherited the tradition of archery craftsmanship from his father and is now a national intangible cultural heritage inheritor.
Yi began assisting his father in bow-making in 1990 and introduced his father to the establishment of China’s first archery-themed museum.
The Art of Kazak Saddle-Making
The Kazak people saw their saddle-making technique added to Xinjiang’s Regional Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2020.
Kazak saddles, among the earliest developed on the Eurasian steppes, epitomize the nomadic ethos of mobility, resilience and artistry.
Samit Azil, a 73-year-old saddle craftsman, has practiced this craft since 1980, learning from his father and grandfather.
He adheres strictly to traditional methods, relying on keen observation of a rider’s height and weight to create comfortable, custom saddles.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Selection of the finest steel |
| 2 | Hours of hammering, shaping and sharpening |
| 3 | Engraving delicate motifs |
| 4 | Forging the steel to create a single knife |
“Every knife is handmade and unique, especially those created by master artisans. Each has a distinct style—often recognizable at a glance,”
Hai Yanyi, a woman who moved to Yingjisha to explore business opportunities, explained to Xinjiang Today.
In recent years, interest in Yingjisha knives has grown, driven by tourism and the rise of live-commerce.
Yi Chenyong and his father founded the Xibe Traditional Bow-Making Workshop in 2003 and established China’s first archery-themed museum in 2012.
Samit Azil, a third-generation master saddle craftsman, has practiced his craft since 1980 and adheres strictly to traditional methods.
“Making a saddle requires mastery of blacksmithing, leather braiding and carpentry. I’ve learned all three skills to work independently. If one skill falters, I’d need help,”
Samit told China News Service.