Taizhou's famed wood carving shines out over the centuries

An intricate example of Taizhou wood carving work. [Photo/WeChat ID: tztour]

The skill of wood carving in Taizhou city, in East China's Jiangsu province, originates from the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties and has been passed down from one generation to the next for more than 1,300 years. The Taizhou wood carving works are mainly about architectural and Buddhism ornamentation.

This work shows the meticulous skill that it takes to create a piece. [Photo/WeChat ID: tztour]

During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, it flourished and was used more in daily life, including in furniture and presents. 

Baoxu town in Hailing district is famous for its wood carving works. Pieces made by the Shuai family are the most well-known. Shuai Chunyan, the fifth inheritor of the Taizhou wood carving skill, founded a museum to display over 1,000 exquisite items of the handicraft.

Vividly colored birds like these are a delight for viewers. [Photo/WeChat ID: tztour]

Colored wood sculptures, as special tourist souvenirs of Taizhou, have been exhibited in the World Expo, the World Olympic Games and the Youth Olympics Games.

Now, the themes of Taizhou wood carving are more diverse and the skills are said to be even more meticulous, with a high artistic value. Examples of the demanding wood handicraft have also been exported to Japan and Italy.