Renowned artists Wu Jincheng from Taiwan (Left) and Zhan Sheng (Right) posing with a ceramic plate shell carving ornament

Recently at Pingtan Straits Folk Art Museum, esteemed artists from the Taiwan Straits united for an extraordinary art endeavor- to meld the intricate artistry of shell carving with the captivating allure of traditional Chinese painting. The project brought together Wu Jincheng, a celebrated master of traditional Chinese painting from Taiwan, and shell carving artisans led by local craftsman Zhan Sheng.

Wu Jincheng's traditional Chinese painting

Wu Jincheng's artistic odyssey and resplendent roots are nothing short of impressive. Wu is the disciple of Zhang Daqian, a prominent figure in modern Chinese art and a master of traditional Chinese painting. Born in Taiwan in 1955, he has his ancestral roots in Fujian, adding depth to his artistic journey.

Shell carving "Prolonging Life"

During the artistic exchange, Wu examined an exquisite shell carving piece titled "Prolonging Life." Crafted by Zhan Sheng, the artwork showcased intricate carvings of Lingzhi mushrooms and blossoming Pingtan Narcissus, symbolizing longevity and auspiciousness. Captivated by the artistic expression, Wu Jincheng generously offered guidance to elevate the work.

Wu Jincheng expressed his admiration for the use of natural shell colors to depict rocks, flowers, and mushrooms in the artwork. He suggested incorporating additional tones and textures to create a more pronounced three-dimensional effect, thereby amplifying the visual impact of the piece.

Wu works closely with Pingtan's Shell Carving inheritors to blend culture and aesthetics into ornaments

The collaboration between the Pingtan shell carving artists and Wu Jincheng has yielded a captivating series of contemporary shell carving artworks that breathe new life into traditional Chinese painting. This artistic fusion skillfully combines the natural beauty of Pingtan with Wu Jincheng's traditional Chinese painting style, garnering high acclaim and capturing attention both within the exhibition hall and the art market.

Artists from the Taiwan Straits exchange insights at Pingtan Straits Folk Art Museum.

The Pingtan Straits Folk Art Museum has emerged as a vibrant hub for cultural and artistic exchanges, serving as a catalyst for the preservation and innovation of intangible cultural heritage. This collaboration serves as a shining example of the fruitful exchange of artistic ideas between Pingtan and Taiwan, showcasing a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, creativity, and traditional aesthetics.

Spotted a mistake or want to add something? All rights reserved. Do not reproduce our content without permission–you can contact us directly on our Twitter mailbox. Follow @pingtanchina (Twitter)