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精微万千 葫芦生“花”


    Carving is a highly valued art in Lanzhou, Gansu’s capital. It has been practiced for over a thousand years. The artists carve thin-skinned egg gourds from the area, requiring great skill to avoid ruining the piece.

    Lanzhou’s gourd carving started during the Wei and Jin dynasties (220-420) when gourds were used for wine along the ancient Silk Road. Over time, the simple act of painting turned into detailed engraving and painting, becoming a job for many during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Carving tiny, egg-sized gourds is the highest level of Lanzhou’s gourd carving skill.

    Ruan Xiyue, born in 1987, has been perfecting her craft for over ten years, a tradition in her family for four generations, or more than 80 years. Her right hand is bigger and rougher from years of carving, showing her dedication to the art.

    At first, Ruan struggled with the weight of her family’s artistic legacy, but the popularity of the game “Travel Frog” among young people inspired her to create a utopian (乌托邦的) world with the frog’s image, boosting her confidence. Ruan uses gourds as a canvas and gradually adds elements from animation, cultural relics (纪念物), and other creative products. She creates gourd mirrors, accessories, tea canisters, bags, and more.

    As culture becomes a part of daily life and gains public appreciation, an increasing number of people are learning Lanzhou gourd carving from Ruan. Since the beginning of this year, she has welcomed over 1,000 visitors per week for study tours. Ruan said that many children are amazed by gourd carving and say, “No wonder this is intangible cultural heritage,” which deeply moves her. Inspired by Ruan Xiyue, her retired mother, Ruan Lin, is now learning to use social media to connect with the younger generation and provide technical guidance for her daughter’s projects.

    “Culture thrives on collective efforts. When many hands come together, the flame of culture burns brighter,” said Ruan Lin.

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