Quiet communication

Growing up in a small town between cities and rural areas, she described herself as "a bridge between the broader modern world and rural traditions".

"Women's inner worlds are incredibly powerful; when others connect with their hearts, there's a brightening effect," she said.

"Nyushu isn't about external confrontation. Instead, it celebrates the beauty of quiet communication among women."

For her exhibition, Rosie designed an installation where letters glimmer gently in a dark, quiet space, visible only as viewers draw near.

"Her work is both intensely personal to the quiet viewer and so universal that you could not detect the artist's nationality. ... Her work is confined neither to her time nor place but is eternal in its wisdom and beauty," said Philip Ward, fellow of the Royal Society of Art, reviewing Rosie's work.

From a confidential women's space, nyushu is certainly becoming a "global culture that belongs to the world", leading composer Tan Dun said in a UNESCO interview.

Bonding together

Through her research, Zhang Luli, an associate professor at South-Central Minzu University in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province, has also discovered a rise in the popularity of nyushu culture on social media since March 2023, encompassing a community of young female artists and enthusiasts.

Women aged 18 to 30 form a closely-knit nyushu community, connected through social media, Zhang said.

"Their work captures the vitality and independence of modern women," she said.

"They are bringing contemporary life into this intangible cultural heritage, revitalizing and transforming nyushu."

In Jiangyong, 17-year-old Ma Bingyu from Shenzhen celebrated a unique coming-of-age ceremony. Dressed in traditional attire, she marked the milestone with the melodies of nyushu songs.

This summer, Rosie and Wang Zilu, a graduate of the Chelsea College of Arts at the University of the Arts London, connected online and set out together on a field trip to Jiangyong to immerse themselves in nyushu culture.

In recent months, they have been part of a group of nyushu explorers looking at the theory and case studies of the script, including those involving aesthetics and community art. With shared interests and unique perspectives, they journeyed to Jiangyong to engage directly with nyushu inheritors in their home environment.

Reflecting on the experience, Ma said: "For me, nyushu isn't just a way of writing; it's a bridge connecting women's emotions and friendships. The girls and I curated an exhibition centered on nyushu's charm, an important way to share and preserve this culture."

Ju Haibo, 24, a master's student at Dublin City University, said: "Nyushu has opened a narrow but promising path. As we connect with each other, we heal together and feel seen and understood. I experienced a sense of inclusivity and happiness that I hadn't felt in a long time."

"I met wonderful people and felt a belonging I had long been seeking," said Tian Shuyu, a 20-year-old student at St. John's College in the US.

After years of traveling in search of connection, both Tian and Ju often felt a sense of loneliness and found it difficult to build deep relationships. But on their trip to Jiangyong, they discovered how naturally emotional connections can arise.

For Man Wenqian, 20, a student at South China University of Technology in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province, learning nyushu became a journey of discovering other women's experiences as well as her own identity.

"Women's souls across generations and identities are converging, growing into a shared spiritual space where we can express ourselves freely," Man said.

"It's in this space that my design work comes to life."

Wang Zilu from the Chelsea College of Arts reflected on how nyushu inheritors weave vibrant threads into bands and garments that enrich their daily lives, threading in the joys, sorrows, passions and hopes of life.

"We honor their wishes, once whispered, with art that breathes in the present, alive in its making," she said.

Sang Yihan and Gao Yuxi contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at houchenchen@chinadaily.com.cn.