Unveiling a Masterpiece

At first glance, "Twelve Beauties" appears to be an ordinary painting, but a closer scrutiny reveals a stunning creation made entirely of intricately placed dots on stone. Displayed at the Huihe Stone Cultural Park in Xiamen, Fujian province, this breathtaking work exemplifies the rare art of Huian shadow carving.

The Legacy of Li Yahua

Meet Li Yahua, a remarkable 58-year-old artist and the 16th-generation custodian of this craft. She masterfully utilizes needle-like alloy steel tools to produce stunning black-and-white shading that transforms ordinary stones into extraordinary art. Completing "Twelve Beauties" in 1994 required Li to tap roughly 1.2 billion points onto the stone, taking nearly a year.

A History Steeped in Tradition

Originating over 300 years ago in Huian county, the art form has been carefully passed down through generations. Li’s journey began as a teenager under the watchful eye of her father, Li Zousheng, who played a key role in crafting reliefs on Beijing's famed Monument to the People's Heroes. Her father's strict teaching methods instilled in her a deep understanding of stone carving's essence: calmness, dedication, and focus.

Carving Through Challenges

Li honed her skills and developed the delicate style of Huihe shadow carving, motivated by early successes that saw her work sell for nearly 5,000 yuan ($699). However, like many traditional craftsmen, she faced challenges as machinery began to dominate the industry. This struggle culminated when, at the age of 29, "Twelve Beauties" became the last piece she crafted independently, due to the strain on her wrists and eyesight.

Innovation Meets Tradition

Recognizing the need for change, Li adapted traditional methods by diversifying into restoration projects and themed landscapes. In 2008, she established the Huihe Stone Cultural Park to protect and promote Huian shadow carving. The park has become a hub for diverse projects, from restoring historical buildings to creating captivating sculptures and innovative stone decorations.

Cultivating a New Generation

Li’s commitment extends beyond preservation; she focuses on engaging the younger generation via educational programs and cultural exchanges. Celebrating International Museum Day, for instance, her family-friendly stone carving event attracted over 3,000 visitors!

Art in Daily Life

Li's team has seamlessly integrated traditional carvings into modern life, producing custom wedding photo pieces, colorful tea sets, and incense holders, expanding their allure beyond the traditional monochromatic designs. "Integrating stone carving into daily life is essential for its survival," she asserts.

A New Era with Young Blood

Fortune smiled upon Li when her son, Dai Yian, chose to follow in her footsteps after graduating college in 2019. Young and innovative, Dai has breathed new life into Huian shadow carving, creating trendy products like zodiac-themed tea saucers that have soared in popularity.

Revitalizing a Cultural Heritage

In 2021, Huian shadow carving was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, with Dai stepping into the role of the 17th-generation inheritor. Embracing modern influences, his team has crafted shadow carvings of beloved characters like Nezha and Sun Wukong, driving interest among younger audiences.

Harnessing the Digital Age

To keep the art form thriving, Li and her team are leveraging digital platforms and social media for promotion. "We have incredible products that showcase rich Chinese culture. It’s time to share our story with the world!" she declares.