Xu Zhenghai – Inheritor of Folk Wood-carving in Dongchuan District, Kunming 

Early Life and Introduction to Wood-carving

Xu Zhenghai (徐正海), a Han Chinese born in 1953, hails from Shanmu Village (杉木村), Shanmu Township (杉木乡), in Dongchuan District (东川区), Kunming. Growing up in a humble farming family, Xu’s early years were marked by hard work on the family farm. Despite his challenging circumstances and not completing his elementary school education, he was drawn to the craft of wood-carving, following in the footsteps of his father. Xu began learning wood-carving at a young age, dedicating himself to the craft that would shape his life.

Mastery of Wood-carving and Artistic Contribution

Xu Zhenghai is renowned for his skill in folk wood-carving, an essential and revered tradition in Dongchuan. In the early years of his craft, Xu primarily focused on carving religious statues, particularly Buddhist icons, as well as images of deities and ancestors. This practice was deeply rooted in the local customs, where villagers would request wood-carved statues for their homes to honor various gods, ancestors, and spirits.

His wood-carving creations are known for their intricate details and local cultural significance. Xu’s works, including statues such as Lingguan Buddha (灵观佛祖), Xu Gongming Ancestor (徐公民祖), Guanyin of the Child-giving (送子观音), and Wealth God (财神), reflect not only his technical mastery but also the region’s rich folklore and spiritual traditions.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Xu Zhenghai’s work plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the folk wood-carving tradition of Dongchuan. His pieces are not only functional religious artifacts but also valuable cultural expressions that contribute to the identity of the local community. Each piece he creates carries the unique cultural imprints of his village, making his carvings both distinctive and significant in the region’s artistic history.

As an inheritor of this craft, Xu is deeply committed to passing his knowledge on to the next generation. His work has helped maintain the relevance of wood-carving in the community, ensuring that this ancient art form continues to thrive.

Original Source in Chinese