The Ji clan sheepskin painting and sheepskin calligraphy paper project is granted the Gold Lighthouse Award on Nov 25 by the 5th Yangtze River Delta International Cultural Industries Expo committee in Shanghai. [Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

The Ji clan sheepskin painting and sheepskin calligraphy paper project from North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region was awarded the prestigious Gold Lighthouse Award on Nov 25 by the 5th Yangtze River Delta International Cultural Industries Expo committee in Shanghai.

Ji clan sheepskin paintings are a traditional art form with over 1,000 years of history. They embody Inner Mongolia's memories, folk customs, and ethnic spirit.

These paintings are crafted from carefully selected regional sheepskin and preserve the natural edges of the hide.

Ji Ying, an inheritor of Ji clan sheepskin painting and sheepskin calligraphy paper, paints at the 5th Yangtze River Delta International Cultural Industries Expo. [Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

The pigments are natural mineral colors mixed according to traditional secret recipes, resulting in exquisite, long-lasting hues. The meticulous process and unique techniques used to create these paintings highlight their ancient and rustic charm.

Ji clan sheepskin paintings are also housed in the World Skills Museum and the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum.

Building on this heritage, the derivative product, sheepskin calligraphy paper, received a national invention patent in 2017. This handmade paper is known for its toughness and fold resistance, making it ideal for long-term preservation and artistic creation.

Visitors admire a Ji clan sheepskin painting at the 5th Yangtze River Delta International Cultural Industries Expo. [Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]