Our Craft

Mongolian Cashmere

Mongolian cashmere is nature’s treasure, luxuriously soft and undeniably rare. Hailing from hardy Mongolian goats that thrive in the harsh climates of Inner Mongolia, this exceptional material epitomises both resilience and refinement. Every spring, nomadic shepherds carefully shear the goats’ exquisitely fine undercoat—just 250 to 300 grams from each animal—to unveil cashmere that is prized worldwide.

Renowned as one of the most coveted fabrics in the fashion industry, Mongolian cashmere exudes an unparalleled softness and warmth. It is the heart of SHANGHAI TANG’s luxurious offerings, from elegant scarves to timeless sweaters and versatile sweatshirts. Wrap yourself in the sumptuous touch of carefully crafted cashmere that celebrates both heritage and modern design, blending comfort with effortless sophistication.

Silk

A symbol of wisdom, wealth and China’s beauty, silk was once under the monopoly of Chinese emperors. To protect the secrets behind creating and producing this majestic fabric, its production was continually overseen by the emperors and high-level businessmen, who became increasingly wealthier following the expansion of the silk market through Persia, Europe and North Africa, along what would be later called the “Silk Road”. The deeply evocative SHANGHAI TANG silks are the perpetuation of this art that spans millennia, merging contemporary design and the splendour and majesty of Ancient China.

Delicate Embroidery

Embroidery, inspired by the finesse of painting, has long been a pillar of Chinese aesthetic craftsmanship, producing designs of unmatched beauty, such as imperial robes adorned with intricate dragons and mythical creatures. Over centuries, it has inspired generations of artisans and continues to influence modern fashion today. At SHANGHAI TANG, we honor this legacy by blending exquisite embroidery with contemporary chinoiserie in our ready-to-wear collections and accessories, creating designs that are both timeless and captivating.

Chinese Ceramics

Chinese bone china production has its origins in the Tang dynasty and reached its high point in the Song dynasty, when the Five Great Kilns“Ru, Ding, Guan, Jun and Ge” were used to produce the most valuable Chinese ceramics. Little by little, it was transported along the Silk Road, which resulted in bone china becoming the chinoiserie par excellence in the Western world.

Lacquerware

Lacquered wood, that has its origins in the Shang dynasty when lacquer was obtained from sumac, plays a key role in the creation of Chinese decorative objects such as furniture, musical instruments and jewellery boxes. Its pearlescent sheen has made lacquered wood a veritable luxury item, that over time has been decorated and embellished with precious and semi-precious stones, Chinese jade, pearls and coral of every kind. In keeping with the tenets of the brand’s identity, the SHANGHAI TANG lacquered wood combines unique designs and vibrant colours with a tradition of luxury spanning millennia.

Cloisonné

Chinese cloisonné can be traced back to Yuan Dynasty and is a unique art form that combines Chinese culture with Asian aesthetic values. The production of cloisonné involves highly complex and sophisticated techniques and with its delicate design, vibrant colours and refined style, cloisonné was used exclusively by the Imperial families as a symbol of wealth. SHANGHAI TANG has reinterpreted some of the most exquisite art of the cloisonné craftsmen to create jewellery pieces and boxes that represent elegant luxury.

Glass

A refined and minimalist glass often goes through complex processes and is crafted by hand. Only exquisite craftsmanship and delicate materials can achieve the standard of being "crystal clear". SHANGHAI TANG's glass products are meticulously crafted using high-quality artificial crystal glass and adorned with artistic patterns, adding an elegant and luxurious touch to glassware.