December 27th (AMSP/CGTN) – – Huizhou carvings – encompassing wood, brick, and stone carvings – are traditional crafts originating in the Huizhou region, renowned for their intricate decorations on Ming and Qing dynasty buildings.
In 2006, Huizhou carvings were included in China’s first national intangible cultural heritage list. Wuyuan County in Jiangxi Province, once part of the ancient Huizhou area, preserves many examples of this art form. Locals there often refer to them as “Wuyuan’s Three Carvings.”
As you walk through Wuyuan, you will find yourself greeted by iconic examples of Huizhou architecture, defined by layered courtyards, white walls, black tiles, and distinctive “horse-head” walls. The extraordinary detail of the carvings makes them truly unforgettable.
Huizhou carvings in Wuyuan date back to the Tang Dynasty, reaching their peak during the Ming and Qing periods. Each type of carving has its own role: brick ones often decorate gateways; stone carvings are used for railings in ancestral halls and door foundations; and wood carvings, widely used in interiors, embellish beams, screens, and windows with auspicious symbols that reflect people’s aspirations for a harmonious life.
“A key architectural feature, known as a ‘bracket’ or ‘ox leg,’ supports the main beams and is often carved with symbolic designs like lotus flowers, cranes, and koi jumping over the dragon gate. These symbols encourage young people to pursue success,” said Wang Wanbin.
The wood carving process involves several steps, from selecting the best materials to polishing and painting them. Techniques like shallow carving, deep carving, and relief carving create layered designs, with some pieces boasting three or more openwork layers.
“This deep relief is a form of openwork carving. A small bird could even fly through these hollow sections. This piece has nine layers,” said Huizhou Carving Artist Yu Yougui.
At almost 60 years of age, Yu has spent over four decades in his chosen field. He finds wood carving to be the most intricate of all the crafts, requiring careful attention to the wood grain and the use of over 100 specialized chisels, some as fine as needles.
“For polishing alone, I use more than 100 different tools. To master wood carving, you first need to learn how to use and sharpen these tools. Wood carving is the most challenging aspect and it takes the longest to perfect,” he said.
Throughout Wuyuan’s many villages, Huizhou carvings are found wherever there are ancient buildings. Each type holds high artistic value.
In addition to preserving traditional techniques, inheritors like Yu have restored nearly 1,000 Ming and Qing-era buildings, breathing new life into their rich history.
“Wuyuan has many historic buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Preservation is a continuous effort, and these skilled inheritors help keep the artistry of ancient carvings alive by restoring structures that might otherwise be lost,” said Yang Fan, Director of Wuyuan Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center.
Today, Wuyuan hosts national bases for the preservation and production of Huizhou carvings. With a thriving community of over 3,000 skilled artisans, the art form is nurtured through a harmonious blend of preservation and innovation, ensuring its enduring vibrancy and relevance in the modern world.
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CGTN