Rising High and Birthday Star, two masterpieces implying fortune, peace, and longevity by Pingtan's sea willow carving master, Shi Xiaobin, were among the recent curated artworks at the Fujian Provincial Handicrafts Exhibition. Sea willow, a kind of black coral, gets its name because it grows into a branch shape, much like a willow on land.

To unravel the wonders of Pingtan Sea Willow Carving, reporters made a visit to Shi's studio.

In the studio, an array of sea willows and tools of sorts covered the workbench. A humming electric graver cut through the hollowness of the studio as a pair of hands dexterously conjured wonders.

As a native of Pingtan, Shi Xiaobin is obsessed with the craft.“I have been engaged in the craft for over 30 years.”

As a fine arts major, Shi has been passionate about art. At a point in time, Shi learnt the craft from Yao Rengui, then deputy director of a shell carving factory in Pingtan, who was also a sea willow craftsman. Shi often turned to Yao for advice and inspiration.

At first, Yao was surprised, noting that few youngsters liked the craft. Later, when Yao confirmed Shi's genuine interest, he decided to groom Shi.

Carving requires patience and attention. Compared with other stone or wood carvings, it involves much more procedures. Shi introduced that in the early days, sea willows were mostly made into cigarette holders, it took more than a dozen procedures and about one week to complete. 

Thanks to a solid art foundation, Shi picked up the craft with ease. He often works until late at night. After years of devotion, Shi has made astounding advances. 

When it comes to sourcing raw sea willows, Shi Xiaobin is more determined than most people. His conquest for art costs him time and energy, and money.

The sea willow usually grows on the seafloor at a depth of more than 30 meters and can only grow a few millimeters a year, and it takes a hundred years to reach half-meter high. Hence, it is rare and precious.

Pingtan's abundant marine resources endow him with the possibility of continuous creation. Local fishermen occasionally run across one or two branches caught in fishing nets, which becomes the source of raw materials for Shi.

To obtain more, Shi has travelled across the outlying islets. “Sometimes, I was stranded due to bad weather.” 

In the past, the living conditions on these outlying islets were tough. Fresh water and electricity were some underlying problems. Once, he was trapped for seven days. Yet, even going through such extremes, Shi got hardly enough sea willows. 

In recent years, Shi 's works have won numerous awards. In 2006, Goddess Nu Wa Patching the Sky won the gold medal at the China Arts and Crafts Fair. In 2012, Taming Dragon and Tiger was exhibited at the Shanghai World Expo and won the gold medal at the Chinese Arts and Crafts Masters Exhibition. 

Sea Willow Carving integrating the marine culture and carving art is a unique cultural icon in Pingtan. “My greatest expectation is to pass on the cultural treasure,”said Shi Xiaobin. 

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