Sea willow

Pingtan, a serene island paradise nestled in China's southeastern coast, boasts a hidden gem in the form of sea willow sculpture, an art form cherished for centuries. At the heart of this tradition stands Shi Xiaobin, a renowned inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Pingtan sea willow sculpting, who has devoted over 40 years to preserving and innovating this exquisite craft.

Shi Xiaobin pictured crafting a sea willow sculpture

"Sea willow, known as the 'undersea divine wood,' is not just a material; it's a testament to nature's ingenuity," said Shi Xiaobin, as he guided visitors through his gallery filled with stunning creations. From intricate Buddhist beads to majestic dragon motifs, each piece tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and deep passion.

A corner of the Sea Willow Sculpture Art Museum

Located at No. 72 Jinyang Community, Pingtan, the Pingtan Sea Willow Sculpture Art Museum has become a hub for cultural exchange and appreciation. Free and open to the public, the museum showcases hundreds of works spanning various eras, including award-winning masterpieces like "Eternal Auspicious Beast—Smiling Skyward," "Double Dragons Playing with the Pearl," and "Taming the Dragon and Tiger," which garnered gold at the 2012 Shanghai World Expo.

Sea willow sculpture: The Eighteen Arhats

"The sea willow takes centuries to grow, and so do the skills required to carve it," Shi Xiaobin explained, his hands still nimble despite years of practice. The process involves painstakingly cleaning the material, delicately shaping it with electric knives, and finally polishing to a shine that reveals its natural beauty. "Every stroke is a testament to my love for this art form," he added.

Shi Xiaobin's dedication to preserving the tradition while infusing modern creativity has led him to fuse techniques from ivory, jade, wood, and stone carving, resulting in works that harmoniously blend tradition and innovation. "I want the world to see the beauty of Pingtan sea willow sculpture and feel its non-material heritage," he said.

Sea willow sculpture: Rising Higher and Higher

Recognizing the importance of passing on this skill, Shi Xiaobin has taken on apprentices, including his own daughter, to ensure the legacy lives on. "It's not just me anymore; more hands are shaping this art," he said with a smile. Moreover, he dreams of sharing his craft with Taiwan, another region known for sea willow works, fostering cross-Straits cultural exchanges.

Sea willow sculpture: Cruise on the Red Cliff

Pingtan sea willow sculpture, a pinnacle of Fujian Province's craftsmanship, is more than just an art form; it's an economic driver, with increasing demand from tourists and collectors alike. As Shi Xiaobin plans exhibitions and promotions, he aims to make Pingtan sea willow sculpture a sought-after souvenir, showcasing the island's unique charm and contributing to its development as an international tourist destination.

"The sea willow represents Pingtan's connection to the ocean and its rich cultural heritage," Shi Xiaobin concluded. "With each cut and carve, I hope to breathe new life into this ancient art, making it shine brightly for generations to come."