In a tribute to the 10th anniversary of China’s Grand Canal being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a team of master woodcarvers in southeast China’s Fujian Province has embarked on an ambitious five-year project. Led by renowned artisan Zheng Chunhui, a representative inheritor of Putian wood carving, the team is crafting a monumental wood sculpture that brings the historical grandeur of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal to life.
The artwork is being carved from nine massive camphor trees, each over 500 years old, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the canal itself. The intricate carving aims to capture the bustling scenes of canal transportation and the rich cultural landscapes of the cities that flourished along its banks.
“Our goal is to recreate the historical essence of the Grand Canal through the art of wood carving,” said Zheng Chunhui. “We hope to showcase the profound cultural heritage and the technological achievements of ancient China.”
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world’s longest man-made waterway, has been a vital conduit for economic, cultural, and technological exchange throughout Chinese history. The canal’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014 highlighted its significance as a masterpiece of engineering and its role in shaping regional development.
Zheng Chunhui’s team is employing traditional Putian wood carving techniques, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. The art form is known for its exquisite detail and expressive storytelling, making it an ideal medium to depict the canal’s storied past.
The project has garnered attention from art enthusiasts and historians alike, offering a tangible connection to China’s cultural legacy. Upon completion, the sculpture is expected to serve as an educational and inspirational piece, further promoting the appreciation of traditional Chinese art forms.
This monumental undertaking not only celebrates a significant historical landmark but also revitalizes a traditional craft, bridging the past and present. As the artisans continue their meticulous work over the next five years, the wood carving of the Grand Canal promises to be a testament to China’s rich cultural tapestry.
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Live: Explore giant wood carving of China's Grand Canal in Fujian
cgtn.com
