Taizhou master engraver creates portraits of Chinese Olympic champions

Xu Jianmin, a seal carving master, works on a seal. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Xu Jianmin, a renowned inheritor of traditional seal carving, has crafted portraits of Chinese Olympic champions using his expertise in this ancient art form. With over 30 years of experience and nearly 10,000 seals, Xu transformed simple stones into intricate carvings capturing the triumphant moments of China's table tennis stars at the Paris Olympics.

A seal of Sun Yingsha, a Chinese table tennis player. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Inspired by the team's victories, Xu swiftly carved the likenesses of champions such as Fan Zhendong, Ma Long, Wang Chuqin, Chen Meng, Wang Manyu, and Sun Yingsha within just 10 days after the games.

"Seal carving is a traditional art with a unique charm, and using it to reflect the Olympic spirit and honor these athletes is deeply meaningful," Xu said. He is now working on portraits of badminton champions and plans to share his work in exhibitions. Xu aims to use his art as a means of encouraging the public to adopt the determination and perseverance exemplified by Olympic champions.

A seal of Chinese table tennis player Ma Long. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]