Craftsman in Shanghai Struggles to Keep Accordion Craft Alive
Sitting in his modest, sawdust-choked workshop on the outskirts of Shanghai, 67-year-old Shen Jian reflects on his life’s work as a craftsman dedicated to the manufacturing and selling of accordions. Over the past four decades, Shen has faced numerous challenges in his pursuit to keep the accordion craft alive amidst changing market trends and personal struggles. From layoffs to the dissolution of his marriage, Shen’s journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to preserve a traditional craft in a rapidly evolving world.
### A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Shen’s foray into the world of accordion making began in 1976 when he was assigned a job at the Shanghai Accordion Factory after graduating from a vocational middle school. Despite having no particular interest in music at the time, Shen was drawn to the elegant design and rich tones of the accordion, inspired by a faint childhood memory of a neighbor playing the instrument. As China embraced accordions in the 1950s and ’60s, Shen witnessed the instrument’s growing popularity and its significance in the country’s musical landscape.
### The Rise and Fall of the Accordion Industry
During the 1980s, Shen experienced a boom in demand for accordions as China underwent economic reforms and opened up to the world. State-owned factories like the Shanghai Accordion Factory produced thousands of instruments annually, meeting the needs of a growing consumer base. However, by the late ’80s, the industry began to decline as parents favored more prestigious instruments like the piano for their children’s musical education. Shen’s factory struggled to adapt to these changing preferences, leading to layoffs and increased competition from domestic and international manufacturers.
### A New Beginning
Facing unemployment in 2003, Shen made a bold decision to start his own accordion factory, Xiangle, with the hope of preserving the craft he had dedicated his life to. Despite initial challenges and a lack of experience in running a business, Shen persevered and sought opportunities to collaborate with Italian manufacturers to improve the quality of his instruments. Through hard work and determination, he managed to secure orders for export and revitalize the Baile brand, a symbol of his commitment to upholding the legacy of accordion craftsmanship.
### Struggles and Sacrifices
The path to success was not without its share of sacrifices for Shen. Long hours at the factory took a toll on his personal life, leading to the dissolution of his marriage in 2016. As he reflects on his decision to prioritize his business over his family, Shen grapples with feelings of guilt and regret for not being there for his loved ones when they needed him the most. Despite these challenges, Shen remained steadfast in his commitment to keeping the accordion craft alive, even at the cost of personal relationships.
### Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The year 2019 brought new challenges for Shen as his factory faced a potential collapse due to a major order that had to be halted before completion. With mounting pressure from customers, employees, and landlords, Shen found himself on the brink of failure. However, the support and understanding of his workers during this difficult time gave him the strength to persevere and find solutions to keep the business afloat. Through sheer determination and resilience, Shen was able to weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever.
### A Brighter Future
Today, Shen’s factory is experiencing a resurgence, with steady orders and a new generation of workers eager to learn the craft of accordion making. With the Baile brand back in production and a renewed sense of purpose, Shen is optimistic about the future of his business and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. As he reflects on his journey as a craftsman in Shanghai, Shen remains committed to upholding the traditions of accordion craftsmanship and ensuring that the art form continues to thrive for years to come.
In conclusion, Shen Jian’s story is a testament to the resilience, determination, and passion required to keep a traditional craft alive in a rapidly changing world. Despite facing numerous challenges and personal sacrifices along the way, Shen’s unwavering dedication to the accordion craft has allowed him to overcome adversity and build a successful business. As he looks towards the future, Shen remains committed to preserving the legacy of accordion making and inspiring the next generation of craftsmen to carry on this timeless tradition.