Profile of Shu Yinjia
Shu Yinjia(树银甲) is a Naxi ethnic Dongba culture inheritor from Sanba Township (三坝乡), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Recognized as the “Holy Land of Dongba Religion,” Sanba Township (三坝乡) remains the birthplace and dissemination center of Naxi Dongba culture, preserving rich traditional practices.
Dongba Cultural Heritage Background
Naxi Dongba culture represents an ancient cultural system encompassing:
- Dongba script
- Pictographic painting
- Ritual music
- Sacred dances
- Ceremonial practices
Centered on Dongba Religion (东巴教), its priests (“Dongba” (东巴) conduct rituals for blessings, exorcisms, and deity worship. This tradition forms a vital component of both Naxi ethnic identity and China’s intangible cultural heritage.
Shu Yinjia’s Preservation Work
As a cultural inheritor, Shu has dedicated himself to:
- Mastering traditional Dongba script, art, and rituals
- Conducting cultural transmission activities
- Training apprentices
- Organizing educational events
His efforts ensure the continuity of Dongba knowledge to younger generations.
Significance of Cultural Inheritance
Dongba culture preservation:
- Strengthens Naxi ethnic identity
- Maintains social cohesion
- Serves as traditional moral education
- Protects cultural diversity
Through inheritors like Shu, this ancient tradition continues thriving in modern society.
Recent Cultural Activities
On March 7, 2025, the second “Pilgrimage to White Water” (朝白水) Dongba cultural tourism event was held in Sanba Township (三坝乡), attracting numerous visitors and enthusiasts. Such activities:
- Enhance cultural visibility
- Provide inheritor platforms
- Facilitate knowledge exchange
As a key inheritor, Shu Yinjia plays an irreplaceable role in preserving and promoting this unique cultural heritage through his dedicated work.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2709.html
Xie Songshan is an inheritor of traditional paper-cutting in Da Yan Town (大研古镇), Lijiang City (丽江市). From a young age, he developed a strong interest in the art of paper-cutting and gradually mastered this traditional craft under the guidance of his elders. Xie Songshan’s paper-cutting works are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and rich cultural connotations. He has not only inherited the traditional styles of paper-cutting but also incorporated modern elements into his works, giving them a contemporary touch.
Inheritance and Innovation of Paper-cutting Skills
Xie Songshan’s paper-cutting works cover a wide range of subjects, including traditional auspicious patterns, the natural landscapes of Lijiang, and elements of the Dongba culture. Through his art, he vividly portrays the local customs and historical culture of Lijiang. Xie Songshan is committed to perfecting his skills and actively innovates by combining paper-cutting with other art forms, infusing new vitality into this traditional art.
Dissemination and Promotion of Paper-cutting Culture
In order to introduce and popularize the art of paper-cutting, Xie Songshan actively participates in various cultural activities and exhibitions. He frequently holds paper-cutting workshops in Da Yan Ancient Town (大研古镇), teaching tourists and local residents the skills of paper-cutting and cultivating many enthusiasts for this art form. In addition, he shares his works and creative experiences through social media and online platforms, further expanding the influence of paper-cutting art.
Xie Songshan, driven by his passion and dedication to paper-cutting, has made significant contributions to the inheritance and promotion of this intangible cultural heritage. His efforts have not only revitalized the art of paper-cutting in Lijiang but also injected new energy into the transmission and development of traditional Chinese culture.
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2708.html
Liu Weigang is an outstanding inheritor of the stone carving craft in Shi Long Ba Township (石龙坝彝族傣族乡), Hua Ping County (华坪县), Lijiang City (丽江市). He has left a profound mark in the inheritance and promotion of this ancient art form. Since childhood, Liu Weigang has been deeply attracted to stone carving, nurtured by the rich traditional cultural atmosphere of Shi Long Ba Township. Under the careful guidance of his elders, he embarked on the journey of learning stone carving, starting from the most basic carving techniques. After countless days and nights of practice, he gradually mastered the traditional stone carving skills, laying a solid foundation for his future artistic creations.
Artistic Mastery and Innovation
Liu Weigang’s stone carving works are highly praised for their exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural connotations. His works cover a wide range of subjects, including traditional auspicious patterns as well as the unique natural landscapes and local ethnic cultural elements of Hua Ping. With his chisel, he vividly portrays the local customs and historical culture of Hua Ping on pieces of stone. While inheriting the traditional style of stone carving, Liu Weigang actively explores innovations. He boldly integrates modern elements into his works, giving the ancient art of stone carving a contemporary touch. He also experiments with combining stone carving with other art forms to revitalize the craft. For example, by integrating stone carving with cultural and creative products, he has created a series of unique works, such as stone rubbings of classic quotations, which are highly popular among the public.
Commitment to Inheritance and Promotion
As an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, Liu Weigang is well aware of the responsibility to pass down and promote the stone carving craft. He actively participates in various cultural activities and exhibitions, showcasing the charm of stone carving to a wider audience. In Shi Long Ba Township, he regularly holds stone carving workshops, teaching tourists and local residents the skills of stone carving without reservation. He patiently guides each learner, cultivating many enthusiasts and thus preparing new forces for the inheritance of the craft. In addition, Liu Weigang keeps pace with the times and makes full use of social media and online platforms to share his works and creative experiences. By breaking geographical barriers, he allows more people to get in touch with and learn about stone carving, significantly expanding its influence.
A Lifelong Dedication
Driven by his passion and dedication to stone carving, Liu Weigang continues to move forward on the path of inheritance and innovation. His efforts have not only revitalized the ancient craft of stone carving in Hua Ping but also injected continuous vitality into the transmission and development of traditional Chinese culture. He has become a pillar in the inheritance of stone carving skills in Hua Ping County.
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2707.html
Chen Ping – Inheritor of Stone-carving Skill in Changning County, Baoshan
保山市昌宁县石雕技艺传承人 – 陈平
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2706.html
Gao Lihua – Inheritor of Jade-carving Skill in Tengchong City, Baoshan
腾冲市腾越镇玉雕技艺传承人 – 高丽华
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2705.html
Xiong Zihui – Inheritor of Miao Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Longyang District, Baoshan
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http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2704.html
Mu Binglin – Inheritor of Gilding Craft in Heqing County, Dali
大理州鹤庆县鎏金工艺传承人 – 母炳林
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2703.html
Zhang Wenxian – Master Sculptor in Weishan County, Dali
大理州巍山县雕塑艺人 – 张文献
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2702.html
Duan Zhenran – Inheritor of Inkstone-carving Craft in Eryuan County, Dali
大理州洱源县凤羽乡砚台雕刻技艺传承人 – 段臻然
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2701.html
Li Renhan – Inheritor of Caizha Paper Art in Heqing County, Dali
大理州鹤庆县云鹤镇彩扎传承人 – 李忍汉
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2700.html
Pu Mingcai, born in 1950 in Huaning County (华宁县), Yuxi City, is a representative inheritor of traditional wood carving techniques in Hongta District. Below is a detailed introduction to his life and craft.
Personal Journey
Early Life
- From 1966 to 1969, he learned carpentry from his elder brother.
- In 1969, he enlisted in the military and served for seven years.
- After leaving the army, he continued working as a carpenter and opened his own furniture factory in 1995.
Transition to Wood Carving
- In 1997, at the age of 47, Pu Mingcai decided to shift from furniture-making to wood carving.
- Despite no formal training, he mastered the craft through self-study, driven by passion and his carpentry background.
Recognition as an Inheritor
- In July 2014, his wood carving techniques were officially listed as a district-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) project in Hongta District.
Wood Carving Techniques and Masterpieces
Artistic Features
- Specializes in boxwood, wild red toon, and Indian ebony.
- Skilled in hollow double-sided carving and deep relief carving, with a strong sense of composition and intricate detailing.
Representative Works
Coffin for Master Shi Yongxiu of Lingzhao Temple (灵照寺释永修大师棺木) (2003–2004)
- Dimensions: 340 cm (H) × 140 cm (W) × 20 cm (D), weighing 1,400 kg.
- Features: Four coiling dragons, celestial canopy, and seasonal flowers.
Large Deep Relief Screen “Nine Dragons Playing in Water” (《九龙戏水》) (2008)
- A dynamic masterpiece showcasing lifelike dragons amid waves and clouds.
Qing Dynasty-style Official’s Armchair (清代风格太师椅)
- Hollow double-sided carving of “Hundred Birds Worshipping the Phoenix.”
Wooden Luding Bridge (木制泸定桥) (2022)
- A scaled-down replica (8.2 m long, 2.2 m high/wide) made with traditional mortise-and-tenon joints, taking three years to complete.
Honors and Achievements
Awards
- 2009: Two Dragons Competing for a Pearl (《二龙抢宝》) won the “Outstanding Cultural Work Award” at the Yunnan Provincial Workers’ Talent Expo.
- 2013: Root carving Nine Dragons in the Clouds (《九龙云空》) was exhibited at the Yunnan Migrant Workers’ Cultural Festival.
Cultural Significance
- Pu Mingcai is one of Hongta District’s most comprehensive wood carving artisans.
- His works blend practicality, artistry, and cultural heritage, preserving historical techniques.
Inheritance and Challenges
- His hollow double-sided and deep relief carvings resist mechanized reproduction.
- Currently seeks dedicated apprentices to ensure the survival of these skills.
Distinctive Features of Pu Mingcai’s Works
Unique Carving Techniques
- Hollow double-sided carving: Requires precision to create interconnected patterns on both sides.
- Deep relief carving: Achieves striking three-dimensionality.
Artistic Conception
- Integrates traditional motifs (e.g., dragons, phoenixes, seasonal flowers) with harmonious layouts.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
- Meticulous material selection (hardwoods like boxwood) and refined detailing.
Functional and Decorative
- Furniture pieces (beds, cabinets) combine utility with aesthetic appeal.
Iconic Works
- Highlights include the Lingzhao Temple coffin, Nine Dragons Playing in Water screen, and wooden Luding Bridge.
Pu Mingcai’s wood carvings embody the essence of Yuxi’s traditional artistry, blending technical mastery with cultural storytelling. His legacy is vital to preserving Hongta District’s intangible heritage.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2699.html
Li Kaifu – Inheritor of Wooden Mask-carving Skill in Shuangbai County, Chuxiong
楚雄州双柏县法脿乡木雕面具制作技艺传承人 – 李开富
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2698.html
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