Qian Xiangzhou is the third-generation inheritor of Xiangnan Residential Woodcarving, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage project in Hunan. He has been keenly interested in woodcarving since childhood.

 

Born in 1964, he was able to carve small figures, animals, etc. at the age of 9. At the age of 16, he learned painting, clay sculpture, and wood carving from Sun Yongji, an art teacher at Xiangnan University. In 1986, under the guidance of his father, he founded the Xiangnan Woodcarving Society.  He has been working with carving knives for more than 50 years.

 

“Previously, it used to take several weeks or even months to make a small plaque by hand. Now, with carving machines, wire saws and other electric tools, it can be completed in two or three days,” said Qian Xiangzhou. In 2021, in order to meet the demand for large-scale production in the market, he founded a wood carving factory and purchased a batch of machinery and equipment.

 

As a treasure of traditional craftsmanship in Chenzhou, Xiangnan woodcarving has high historical, cultural, and artistic value. 

 

In order to make it come to life again, Qian Xiangzhou has come up with many creative ideas. For instance, he created a wood carving series based on the characters of Hunan Kunqu Opera and local Red culture. 

 

“I am currently collecting information through county chronicles, past photos, and ancient dwellings to present totems and family mottos of the Hundred Family Surnames through wood carving, which can promote the Xiangnan wood carving techniques and stimulate the interest of the people.

 

In addition, he also thinks about how to inspire young people’s love for this traditional craft. He presents children a vivid and interesting Xiangnan woodcarving experience class at primary and secondary schools in Chenzhou on the annual Cultural and Natural Heritage Day.

 

“Before Xiangnan woodcarving was listed as an intangible cultural heritage project, many people in Chenzhou knew about the exquisite woodcarving, but did not have a systematic understanding of Xiangnan woodcarving, let alone outsiders,” said Qian Xiangzhou. In 2021, Xiangnan Woodcarving was included among provincial-level intangible cultural heritage projects, which  greatly increased its popularity.

 

With the development of society and the country’s emphasis on cultural heritage, woodcarving works have broad market prospects. 

 

“The restoration of some ancient buildings needs us, and as the living standards of the people continue to improve, many people also choose to use wooden carvings for home decoration,” he said.

 

“Previously, our customers mainly came from friends or were introduced by acquaintances. Now, we are expanding the source of customers through Kuaishou, Douyin and other network platforms,” said Qian Xiangzhou. He hopes to promote the development of Xiangnan Woodcarving through the integration of intangible cultural heritage with study tours and festivals.

 

 

Chinese source: hunantoday