Traditional lime craftsmanship in China’s built heritage: craft knowledge, transmission, and intangible cultural heritage conservation
摘要
Lime was an enduring and versatile material in ancient China, widely applied in medicine, dyeing, shipbuilding, and notably in architecture as a binding agent for masonry, earthen structures, and decorative finishes. Its recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) stems from both its profound historical significance and its capacity to meet UNESCO’s five criteria for ICH: sustaining cultural identity, embodying systematic knowledge, ensuring community continuity, stimulating creativity, and addressing contemporary challenges. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical, archeological, and anthropological research with experimental and scientific analysis, to establish a comprehensive knowledge framework. This framework is structured around six technical stages: material selection, calcination, slaking, formulation, construction, and curing. By reconstructing the embodied knowledge and socio-technical practices of artisans, we reconceptualize lime craftsmanship as a living, active, and productive form of ICH. This research offers valuable theoretical and practical insights for architectural heritage conservation and the promotion of sustainable cultural development.