A rose is a rose is a rose - even in silk
By Fei Lai |
March 30, 2013, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
RONDE flowers, which are handcrafted from silk and originated in Japan, are a specialty of Wang Fuming, a senior citizen living in the Gumei Sanatorium in Minhang.
The 85-year-old has been making the artificial flowers since retirement.
"They can be made of stockings, nylon yarn or silk with wires," Wang said. "They can be done in a myriad of styles and colors. They are really quite simple to make."
Wang says artificial flowers have many attributes. They never lose their bloom no matter what the season. They cost less than flesh flowers, and they are benign household decoration for those with pollen allergies.
But like any flower, they show gratitude and love.
Wang often carries a few of the flowers when he goes out. If someone gives up a seat on the bus or subway to him, he thanks them with a ronde flower.
"In this way, I express my gratitude in a lasting way," he said. "Giving away these flowers makes me happy. I give them to friends and families on special occasions like birthdays or wedding anniversaries."
When in hospital, Wang gives the flowers to doctors and nurses who take care of him.
He purchases materials to make those flowers at the Chenghuang Temple and has learned some of his flower-making skills from nearby shop owners.
In autumn and winter, he can sometimes be found in the sanatorium's security guard room, where he takes his radio and flower-making materials. He joked that he has become the sidekick of security guards.
"Silk flowers are indispensable to my life," he said.
"If a friend passes away, I will make a pot of white and yellow chrysanthemums to express my sorrow. I hope these flowers can warm the heart of the bereaved."
The 85-year-old has been making the artificial flowers since retirement.
"They can be made of stockings, nylon yarn or silk with wires," Wang said. "They can be done in a myriad of styles and colors. They are really quite simple to make."
Wang says artificial flowers have many attributes. They never lose their bloom no matter what the season. They cost less than flesh flowers, and they are benign household decoration for those with pollen allergies.
But like any flower, they show gratitude and love.
Wang often carries a few of the flowers when he goes out. If someone gives up a seat on the bus or subway to him, he thanks them with a ronde flower.
"In this way, I express my gratitude in a lasting way," he said. "Giving away these flowers makes me happy. I give them to friends and families on special occasions like birthdays or wedding anniversaries."
When in hospital, Wang gives the flowers to doctors and nurses who take care of him.
He purchases materials to make those flowers at the Chenghuang Temple and has learned some of his flower-making skills from nearby shop owners.
In autumn and winter, he can sometimes be found in the sanatorium's security guard room, where he takes his radio and flower-making materials. He joked that he has become the sidekick of security guards.
"Silk flowers are indispensable to my life," he said.
"If a friend passes away, I will make a pot of white and yellow chrysanthemums to express my sorrow. I hope these flowers can warm the heart of the bereaved."
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