The
year 1876 marked a pivotal moment in world history. Following the
defeat by the Eight-Nation Alliance, the Qing Dynasty was compelled to
open its ports and establish embassies. Concurrently, the Qing Dynasty
set up its first embassy in Britain. Zhu Chengde, the inaugural
ambassador, witnessed firsthand China's backwardness and ignorance. In a
bold move, he cut off his braid and began to learn from the West.
However, this act made him a target of public criticism and he was
deemed a traitor in China. Yet, without his foresight, the Chinese might
still be wearing braids today.
To honor Zhu Chengde
and help restore his reputation, we have meticulously crafted a
commemorative violin using the wood from China’s first embassy in
Beihai, Guangxi. May the beautiful music of this violin serve as an
everlasting tribute to the progress and transcendence of the Chinese
people.
