Photo taken on February 13, 2025 shows Bilal Ablilosem makes copperware at his store in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

ShiliuyunXinjiang Daily (Reporter Tang Yong) news: On February 13, 2025, Bilal Ablilosem held a self-made engraving knife and skillfully carved patterns on a copper kettle in a store on the Pedestrian Street of Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. At just 24 years old, he is one of the inheritors of the national intangible cultural heritage of copperware making in Kashi Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. He has already mastered the craft proficiently and is able to create exquisite works.

Photo taken on February 13, 2025 shows Bilal Ablilosem (first on the right) and his father (first on the left) practice their skills together in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on February 13, 2025 shows Bilal Ablilosem introduces his works on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Bilal Ablilosem has an inextricable bond with the craft of copperware making. This skill has been passed down in his family for many years, and he is now the third generation to inherit it.

"I was influenced by my father from a young age and developed a strong interest in the craft of copperware making. I find this skill truly fascinating," Bilal Ablilosem said. After graduating from university in 2023, he gradually mastered the essence of copperware making under his father's guidance and began to incorporate his own ideas and creativity into the craft. He attempted to combine traditional copperware-making techniques with modern aesthetics, creating copperware that is both classical and fashionable while enriching its cultural connotations.

Photo taken on February 13, 2025 shows Bilal Ablilosem carves patterns on copper pot with a carving knife in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on February 13, 2025 shows a copperware made by Bilal Ablilosem.

Photo taken on February 13, 2025 shows a copperware made by Bilal Ablilosem in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Unlike traditional sales methods, he also cleverly utilized social media platforms such as WeChat and Douyin to showcase copperware and its production process. This attracted the attention of many tourists, and the copperware he made became very popular among them. He believes that only with the recognition of customers can this traditional craft maintain its vitality and continue to be passed down.

Photo taken on February 13, 2025 shows tourists buy copperware in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

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