With just a strand of aluminum wire and a pair of pliers, craftsman Zhang Haichun creates copper-weaving works with practiced ease. In just half an hour, a delicate miniature bicycle takes shape in his hands—its lines smooth, its form vivid, as if ready to ride off at any moment. The craft, known as copper weaving, now often uses more pliable aluminum wire, yet still preserves the warm dialogue between the craftsman's fingers and the metal over the past 16 years.

Among his creations, bicycles of various styles are the most popular: some are light single-seat models, while others are side-by-side two-seater bicycles for couples. "Children love the colorful ones," Zhang says, "while adults prefer the natural silver hue of aluminum—they think it looks more elegant on the wine cabinet or bookshelf."

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, copper weaving is a craft rich in technique. "Complex pieces can use seven or eight wires, but a bicycle like this can be made from a single strand," Zhang explains, holding up a freshly finished miniature bicycle.

The simplest bicycle model takes about half an hour to complete, while intricate works like the "Money Tree" can take four to five hours. Every bend and every twist demands full concentration. Over the years, Zhang has transitioned the material from copper to aluminum. "Aluminum is softer and easier to shape," he says. Even in an age dominated by machine production, he remains convinced of the enduring value of handmade art: "A machine-made object may be precise and flawless, but a handmade one has its own breath, carrying the maker's emotion and warmth."

半小时“织”出一辆单车！看铜编匠人以手织金

一根铝线，一把钳子，在铜编匠人张海春的手中缠绕、穿梭。不过半小时，一辆精巧灵动的单车便悄然诞生——线条流畅，形态逼真，仿佛下一刻就要驶向远方。这门被称为“铜编”的手艺，如今虽多改用更易塑形的铝线，却依然延续着十六年来手指与金属之间不曾断绝的温暖对话。

在他手下，最受欢迎的是造型各异的单车：有单排的轻巧车型，也有双排并行的“情侣车”。“彩色单车最受孩子欢迎，而成年人更偏爱铝线原色，觉得摆在酒柜或书架上，更显雅致。”

铜编是一门看似简单却内含精髓的手艺。“复杂的作品要用到七八根线，而像这样的单车，一根线就能完成。”张海春手持一件刚刚完工的单车介绍道。

最简单的单车约需半小时，而如“金钱树”这类复杂作品，则要耗费四五个小时。每一个弯折、每一次缠绕，都要求匠人全神贯注。材质上，他也经历了从铜到铝的转变。“现在用的铝线更软，编起来更省力。”尽管身处机器量产的时代，张海春始终相信手作的永恒价值。“机器制造或许更精准完美，但手工作品有它的呼吸，有制作时的情绪与温度。”他说。

策划｜吴国颂
采写｜杨雪薇 钱瑜 郑达 李旭 张芷瑜 何叶舟
图片｜杨雪薇
译｜钟佳
英文审校｜柯妃娟