Ziyun Guan
Time-Honored BrandZiyun Guan · Anhui · Founded
Ziyun Guan, a time-honored brand from Anhui, carries on traditional craftsmanship with a rich history. Though its founding year is unverified, local records trace its roots to the mid-Qing Dynasty. It is renowned for integrating Huizhou techniques in ink, lacquerware, and tea, embodying the spirit of Hui merchants and regional cultural heritage.
Brand Story
Ziyun Guan, originating from Anhui, derives its name from the auspicious phrase 'ziqi donglai' (purple air from the east), symbolizing good fortune. While the exact founding year is not officially confirmed, local chronicles and oral histories suggest its history dates back to the mid-Qing Dynasty (around 1800 AD), when Hui merchants flourished. The brand started by trading local specialties and handicrafts, gradually gaining a reputation in southern Anhui. The key figure was founder Wang Ziyun, who excelled in dyeing, weaving, and lacquer art, infusing Huizhou traditional techniques into products and making Ziyun Guan a cultural symbol. During the late Qing and early Republic periods, it supplied tribute items to the Huizhou government, enhancing its prestige. The shop closed during the Anti-Japanese War but the craft was preserved within the family. After the founding of New China, Ziyun Guan resumed operations and joined local handicraft cooperatives, but later fell into obscurity due to institutional changes. In recent years, with the revival of intangible cultural heritage and time-honored brands, Ziyun Guan has re-emerged, carrying the legacy of Hui merchant spirit and regional craftsmanship.
“Purple air from the east, gathering treasures of excellence.”
Signature Products
Made with ancient Huizhou ink techniques, using pine soot and tung oil, producing a glossy black ink ideal for calligraphy and painting. (200-800 RMB)
Hand-lacquered box inlaid with mother-of-pearl patterns, featuring Huizhou landscapes on the lid, combining practicality and collectible value. (500-1500 RMB)
Brewed from high-mountain tea in southern Anhui, this thick paste yields a bright red infusion with a sweet aftertaste. (80-300 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Anhui（安徽）
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Cultural Note
Ziyun Guan's craftsmanship integrates Huizhou traditional dyeing, lacquer art, and ink-making, emphasizing natural materials and meticulous handwork. Its techniques follow the principle of 'quality materials, fine workmanship, and elegant charm,' reflecting the integrity and artisan spirit of Hui merchants. The skills are passed down orally within the family, with some processes still using ancient methods, serving as an important sample for studying the evolution of Huizhou handicrafts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Ziyun Guan founded?
Ziyun Guan was founded in null, originating in Anhui, Anhui, primarily in the Other field.
What is the signature product of Ziyun Guan?
Its signature product is Ziyun Tribute Ink. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: