(Zhang Yuhuan/Chinanews.com)

China Craft Week 2018, a themed craft exhibition, kicked off on Nov. 1 in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, chinanews.com reported Thursday.

The event aimed to facilitate cultural exchange by gathering design masters and craftsmen from around the world.

China Craft Week focused on customized products, with an exhibition area 1,200 square meters' larger than before.

Six British brands, 16 Italian brands, 10 Irish artists, 3 independent Thai designers and 15 traditional craft enterprises in Hangzhou attended the exhibition for craftsmanship exchange.

Caroline Groves, a maker of personalized women’s shoes, showcased her exquisite work at the exhibition, attracting many visitors.

Groves explained that although her handmade high-heels are designed based on a traditional style, they are still fashionable and carry cultural connotations.

Irish artist Angela Brady displays her work. (Zhang Yuhuan/Chinanews.com)

Irish artist Angela Brady also displayed her ethnically inspired glass pieces during the event. She said that she hoped to communicate with Chinese artists about the traditional techniques of Chinese porcelain making.

Tommaso De Carlo, a 60-year-old Italian engraver, came to the event as part of his second visit to China. He said that he is glad to share opinions with artists from various countries at the exhibition.

A healthy craft climate will nurture craftsmanship, Tommaso said. Through communication, craftsmen from different countries can exchange ideas, which is also a process for self-improvement, Tommaso added.