They restore ancient cultural relics, and objects for exhibitions and displays, as well as for individual customers.

Making the trade more sustainable and attractive was her long-term goal, and later she found a solution after a request from a friend, who asked Tang to help their octogenarian mother to fix a jade bracelet.

This had enormous sentimental value and the elderly woman wrapped the three broken pieces of the bracelet－a gift from her deceased husband－in multiple layers and insisted on walking to Tang's studio to deliver it in person.

After that, she expanded her target group to repair "ordinary" items, including jadeware, teapots and glass ornaments.

"The warm stories shared by these owners touched me deeply," she says.

"Restorers often deal with items from ancient times, but I hope that restoration craftsmanship can become more connected with our daily lives in the modern world."

xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn