In the heart of Fuzhou, Fujian province in the Chinese mainland, a quiet revolution in stone has been unfolding for over half a century. Master artisan Chen Yijing, a living legend in Shoushan stone carving, has dedicated fifty years to transforming raw rock into poetic "landscapes on stone."
Shoushan stone carving, a national intangible cultural heritage, is celebrated for its vivid textures, natural colors and the art of revealing hidden forms. Guided by the principle of "working with the stone," Chen's approach is less about imposing his vision and more about discovering the art within each piece. Each hue and vein becomes a brushstroke, shaping scenes of misty mountains, flowing rivers and delicate flora.
A Living Legacy
Beyond his own prolific creations, Chen has mentored dozens of disciples, nurturing a community of craftspeople who balance respect for tradition with fresh ideas. His students now carry on the craft, blending time-honored techniques with modern design sensibilities—keeping Shoushan stone relevant in a rapidly changing world.
The Global Ripple
Today, snippets of the carving process surface on social feeds, from detailed close-ups of chisel marks to time-lapses of a blank block coming to life. These digital windows have sparked curiosity far beyond Fujian, inviting young creators and travelers to explore immersive workshops and witness the stone whisper its stories.
Stone Meets Story
For entrepreneurs and tech innovators, Chen's "listen to the material" mindset offers a powerful lesson: real impact often begins by understanding natural constraints and building from there. Whether in startups or sustainability projects, there is a shared ethos—let the raw potential guide the final form.
As the sun sets over the workshops in Fuzhou, each finished sculpture stands as a testament to patience, mindfulness and a bridge between past and future. Chen Yijing's fifty-year journey reminds us that in every block of stone, and every moment of our own lives, there is a hidden landscape waiting to emerge.
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An artisan's fifty years of dedication to Shoushan stone sculpture
cgtn.com
