Li Yuansheng – Artisan of Wood Carving and Root Carving in Yuanjiang County, Yuxi 

Li Yuansheng, born in 1948 in Yinyuan Town, Yuanjiang County, is a renowned Yunnan Provincial Folk Art Master, Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor, Yunnan Craft Art Master, and Yunling Skilled Master. Since 1982, he has dedicated over 40 years to root carving, creating more than 200 artworks with his son Li Jiangfu (李将福).

Personal Profile

Early Life and Career

  • Began root carving in 1982, combining traditional techniques with innovative approaches.
  • Recognized as a Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor for preserving Yunnan’s root carving traditions.

Root Carving Techniques and Masterpieces

Technical Excellence

  • Specializes in hollow carving and relief carving, leveraging natural root forms to create dynamic, layered artworks.
  • Emphasizes organic beauty while maintaining structural precision.

Notable Works

Nie Er (聂耳) Cultural Series (22 pieces, 2006–present)

  • The Sound of Nie Er (《聂耳之声》): Carved from a 1.6-meter camphor root, features a functional hollowed-out cello with peony motifs and Nie Er’s biography. Gold Award at Yunnan’s 5th Root Carving Exhibition.
  • Arise, Ye Who Refuse to Be Slaves (《起来不愿做奴隶的人们》): Depicts themes from China’s national anthem.

Other Works

  • Ethnic Unity Celebrates Harvest (《民族团结庆丰收》): Showcases multi-ethnic groups rejoicing with agricultural abundance.
  • Golden Dragon Offering Treasure (《金龙献宝》): Housed in Yuxi Museum (玉溪市博物馆).

Artistic Style

  • Blends natural aesthetics with cultural narratives, often highlighting Yunnan’s ethnic diversity and historical figures.

Legacy and Influence

Inheritance

  • Li Jiangfu (李将福), his son, continues the craft under the Xingyu Talent Program (兴玉英才支持计划), operating a Skill Master Studio.

Cultural Impact

  • Works serve as cultural symbols for Yuanjiang County, attracting tourists and art collectors.
  • Exhibitions across Yunnan promote traditional root carving’s revival.

Li Jiangfu (李将福) – Inheritor and Innovator of Root Carving

Technique Inheritance and Innovation

Learning from the Master

  • Trained under Li Yuansheng, mastering “artisan’s intuition”—balancing creativity, patience, and technical rigor.

Modern Adaptations

  • Enhances traditional methods by emphasizing natural textures and contemporary themes.

Works and Exhibitions

Signature Style

  • Themes range from folk legends (e.g., Nie Er series) to natural landscapes, retaining his father’s lyrical realism.

Awards and Recognition

  • Nie Er series praised for storytelling depth and technical finesse.
  • Regular participant in provincial craft fairs.

Skill Master Studio

Platform for Growth

  • Established via Xingyu Talent Program, fostering apprentices and collaborations.

Future Goals

  • To “narrate Nie Er’s legacy” through root carving, merging art with patriotic education.

Societal Contributions

Cultural Ambassadorship

  • Elevates Yuanjiang’s intangible heritage profile, inspiring youth to pursue craft arts.

Economic Impact

  • Draws cultural tourism, supporting local artisan communities.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2685.html