The holiday season brings with it a flurry of excitement, and for many, the return of cherished traditions. 

This year, we're thrilled to announce that one such tradition is making a triumphant comeback: Pier 1's beloved Li Bien ornaments. These aren't just ordinary Christmas decorations—they're exquisite works of art that showcase a centuries-old Chinese painting technique called Li Bien. Each ornament is a testament to the skill and patience of master artisans, capturing the magic of the season within delicate glass spheres. 

As we unpack our holiday decorations, there's always that special moment when we rediscover a favorite ornament, gently unwrapping it from its tissue paper cocoon. For many of us, Li Bien ornaments have been the stars of that moment, their intricate designs sparking memories of Christmases past. Their absence has been felt, but the wait is finally over. 

This year, as we trim our trees and deck our halls, we can once again add these miniature masterpieces to our festive displays, continuing or perhaps starting a beautiful holiday tradition. 

Let's take a closer look at the incredible craftsmanship behind these special collectibles. 

The Art of Li Bien: A 200-Year-Old Tradition 

Li Bien, which translates to "inner painting," is a meticulous art form that originated in China over 200 years ago. This unique technique involves painting intricate designs on the inside of glass ornaments, resulting in a stunning, three-dimensional effect that seems to float within the glass. 

Creating a Li Bien ornament is a testament to patience and skill. Each ornament starts as a hollow glass sphere with a small opening at the top. The artist then uses a specialized L-shaped brush, inserting it through this tiny opening to paint the design in reverse on the inside of the ornament. 

This process is as challenging as it sounds. The artist must paint backwards, layering the foreground elements first before moving to the background. It requires incredible concentration, a steady hand, and years of practice to master. A single ornament can take anywhere from two to three days to complete, with the most intricate designs potentially taking even longer. 

Our 2024 Collection: Christmas Classics & Whimsical Charm 

This year's exclusive Pier 1 Li Bien collection features a range of beautiful designs, each one a unique masterpiece. From the whimsical Snowman Ornament with its wintry scene to the elegant Angel Ornament floating in a gorgeous airy cream, each piece tells a story through its intricate details. 

The Nutcracker Ornament brings a classic holiday tale to life within its glass walls, while the Dove Ornament symbolizes peace with its delicate, heart-shaped design. For those who love traditional holiday motifs, the Poinsettia, Christmas Tree, Merry Christmas, and Santa's Sleigh ornaments offer timeless charm. 

The collection also includes more unique pieces like the Gingerbread Village Ornament, which captures the whimsy of a fairytale sweet shop, and the Three Kings Nativity Ornament, depicting the journey of the Magi under a starry sky. 

What Makes Pier 1 Li Bien Ornaments Special 

What makes these ornaments truly remarkable is not just their beauty, but their durability. Because the design is painted on the inside of the glass, it's protected from chipping or fading. This means your Li Bien ornament will remain as vibrant and beautiful as the day you bought it, year after year. 

Also, due to the handcrafted nature of these ornaments, no two are exactly alike. They are as special as you—or the loved one you gift it to. When you purchase a Li Bien ornament, you're getting a one-of-a-kind piece of art that can't be replicated. It's a unique treasure that holds within it the spirit of the season and the touch of the artist who created it. 

These ornaments become more than just decorations. They're keepers of memories. Each year as you carefully unwrap your Li Bien ornament, you might recall the Christmas when you first received an ornament, or the loved ones who gathered around as you hung it on the tree. They have a way of capturing special moments in time, much like the scenes captured within. 

For many, ornaments have become family heirlooms, passed down through generations. They carry with them stories of Christmases past, connecting us to our holiday traditions and to each other. In a world that often feels fast-paced and disposable, these Li Bien ornaments stand as a testament to the enduring value of craftsmanship and the timeless nature of true beauty. 

Starting or Growing Your Collection: A Treasure for Years to Come 

Whether you're a long-time collector or new to the world of Li Bien ornaments, the 2024 collection offers something for everyone. Each ornament comes in a keepsake box, perfect for storing your treasures safely between seasons. 

Pier 1's Li Bien ornaments are more than just holiday decorations. They're heirlooms in the making. Each one represents hours of painstaking work by skilled artisans, resulting in a piece that will be cherished for generations. 

So, when you decorate your tree this year, take a moment to appreciate the artistry of your Li Bien ornaments. Hold them up to the light and marvel at the intricate details floating within the glass. These are more than ornaments. They're tiny worlds of wonder, each one a testament to the enduring beauty of traditional craftsmanship. 

This holiday season, as we gather with loved ones and create new memories, let's cherish these small but magnificent treasures. Whether you're continuing a cherished tradition or starting a new one, each Li Bien ornament you add to your collection is a celebration of craftsmanship, a keeper of memories, and a promise of beauty for Christmases to come. 

Welcome back, Li Bien ornaments. Our trees have missed you. In your delicate glass worlds, we see reflected the joy, the wonder, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. May they continue to bring light and beauty to our homes and hearts for many Christmases to come.