Li Yuansheng, born in 1948 in Yinyuan Town, Yuanjiang County, is a renowned Yunnan Provincial Folk Art Master, Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor, Yunnan Craft Art Master, and Yunling Skilled Master. Since 1982, he has dedicated over 40 years to root carving, creating more than 200 artworks with his son Li Jiangfu (李将福).
Personal Profile
Early Life and Career
- Began root carving in 1982, combining traditional techniques with innovative approaches.
- Recognized as a Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor for preserving Yunnan’s root carving traditions.
Root Carving Techniques and Masterpieces
Technical Excellence
- Specializes in hollow carving and relief carving, leveraging natural root forms to create dynamic, layered artworks.
- Emphasizes organic beauty while maintaining structural precision.
Notable Works
Nie Er (聂耳) Cultural Series (22 pieces, 2006–present)
- The Sound of Nie Er (《聂耳之声》): Carved from a 1.6-meter camphor root, features a functional hollowed-out cello with peony motifs and Nie Er’s biography. Gold Award at Yunnan’s 5th Root Carving Exhibition.
- Arise, Ye Who Refuse to Be Slaves (《起来不愿做奴隶的人们》): Depicts themes from China’s national anthem.
Other Works
- Ethnic Unity Celebrates Harvest (《民族团结庆丰收》): Showcases multi-ethnic groups rejoicing with agricultural abundance.
- Golden Dragon Offering Treasure (《金龙献宝》): Housed in Yuxi Museum (玉溪市博物馆).
Artistic Style
- Blends natural aesthetics with cultural narratives, often highlighting Yunnan’s ethnic diversity and historical figures.
Legacy and Influence
Inheritance
- Li Jiangfu (李将福), his son, continues the craft under the Xingyu Talent Program (兴玉英才支持计划), operating a Skill Master Studio.
Cultural Impact
- Works serve as cultural symbols for Yuanjiang County, attracting tourists and art collectors.
- Exhibitions across Yunnan promote traditional root carving’s revival.
Li Jiangfu (李将福) – Inheritor and Innovator of Root Carving
Technique Inheritance and Innovation
Learning from the Master
- Trained under Li Yuansheng, mastering “artisan’s intuition”—balancing creativity, patience, and technical rigor.
Modern Adaptations
- Enhances traditional methods by emphasizing natural textures and contemporary themes.
Works and Exhibitions
Signature Style
- Themes range from folk legends (e.g., Nie Er series) to natural landscapes, retaining his father’s lyrical realism.
Awards and Recognition
- Nie Er series praised for storytelling depth and technical finesse.
- Regular participant in provincial craft fairs.
Skill Master Studio
Platform for Growth
- Established via Xingyu Talent Program, fostering apprentices and collaborations.
Future Goals
- To “narrate Nie Er’s legacy” through root carving, merging art with patriotic education.
Societal Contributions
Cultural Ambassadorship
- Elevates Yuanjiang’s intangible heritage profile, inspiring youth to pursue craft arts.
Economic Impact
- Draws cultural tourism, supporting local artisan communities.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2685.html
Bi Xianghua – Craftsman of Bamboo Birdcage Weaving in Fengqing County, Lincang
临沧市凤庆县凤山镇鸟笼编织艺人 – 毕向华
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2684.html
Shen Xiuqin – Inheritor of Pottery Firing Techniques in Yunxian County, Lincang
临沧市云县土陶烧制技艺传承人 – 沈修秦
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2683.html
Luona Chaxie – Inheritor of Lahu Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Lincang County, Lincang
临沧县南美乡拉祜族服饰制作技艺传承人 – 罗娜茶谢
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2682.html
Feng Jijin – Inheritor of Dai Paper-cut Artistry in Shuangjiang County, Lincang
临沧市双江县勐勐镇傣族剪纸技艺传承人 – 俸继进
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2681.html
Jing Jigui – Artist of Dai Painting “Tong” in Shuangjiang County, Lincang
临沧市双江县勐勐镇傣族”统” 画艺人 – 景继贵
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2680.html
Bao Enong – Inheritor of Wa Traditional Textile Crafts in Cangyuan County, Lincang
临沧市沧源县勐董镇佤族传统纺织技艺传承人 – 鲍俄侬
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2679.html
Li Dongmei – Inheritor of Mili Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Yongde County, Lincang
临沧市永德县乌木龙乡彝族米俐人服饰制作技艺传承人 – 李冬妹
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2678.html
Dulongjiang Township, also known as the “secret land of southwest China,” sits in the deep Nujiang Valley with harsh climatic and geographical conditions. For decades, over 4,000 Derung people lived in hay huts on mountain slopes. It was one the most poorest areas in southwest China’s Yunnan Province and even the entire country.
Since 1964, the only way out of Dulongjiang was a bridle path suitable just for horse riding.
“Villagers took this path for going to cities for shopping or going to schools. Sometimes we needed to climb up the mountain crest as well,” Wang Shirong, head of Bapo Village in Duloangjiang Township, told CGTN.
On September 9, 1999, the first Dulongjiang Highway was constructed over a 3000-meter snowline on the Gaoligong Mountains with an investment of more than 100 million yuan (14.5 million U.S. dollars), ending Dulongjiang’s decades-long isolation.
However, the only way to communicate with the outside world was blocked due to heavy snow from November to May the next year.
In 2014, the 6.68-kilometer Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel was ready for use, putting an end to the seasonal isolation of Dulongjiang. The highway shortened Dulongjiang’s distance from the nearest city, Cikai, to 80 kilometers from 96.2 kilometers, reducing the driving time from eight hours to less than two hours.
The development of basic transportation has provided Dulongjiang with opportunities to get rid of poverty. Today, well-constructed roads, electricity, radio and television, and mobile 4G network have reached 28 villages in Dulongjiang Township along with other infrastructural facilities.
More than 1,000 families have moved into newly-built houses on the foothills of the Gaoligong Mountains. The per capita economic income of Dulongjiang increased from 805 yuan (117 U.S. dollars) in 2008 to 6122 yuan (887 U.S. dollars) in 2018, lifting the entire Derung ethnic group out of poverty.
“Now that the bridges and roads are well-constructed, and our Derung people can connect to the outside world,” said Wang.
Profile
Lu Jiya(路济亚) is a skillful woman who was born in 1957, a Bangda villager of Dulong Nu Autonomous County, Gongshan(迪庆贡山县棒打村民).
Personal Experiences
Her father is a Nu ethnic minority. Though her mother is Tibetan ethnic minority. Due to the influence of geographical environment, her mother know very well about the process of making felt textile craft(毡子纺织技艺). Under the influence of her mother, she began to learn the textile technology of Nu blankets in her teens. After the age of 16, she mastered all kinds of carpets. She is a local textile expert of making textile craft.
Achievement
She is the first batch of inheritor of provincial intangible cultural heritage.
Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2677.html
Translated by Lynette Fu/ 付云锐
Keep Reading
Like other inheritors of bamboo weaving traditions in various regions, Azhen (阿真) began learning bamboo weaving skills from a young age. Through years of diligent practice, he has mastered the complete process of bamboo weaving—from selecting materials, splitting bamboo, slicing bamboo strips, to weaving techniques and methods of assembling and binding. He is capable of skillfully turning bamboo into thin strips and weaving them into a variety of exquisite handicrafts, such as bamboo trays (竹盘) and bamboo baskets (竹箩).
Commitment to Tradition
Bamboo weaving is a cultural treasure of ethnic heritage. As an inheritor, Azhen (阿真) deeply understands its significance and therefore spares no effort in passing down and promoting this traditional craft. Like the bamboo weavers of Dulongjiang Township (独龙江乡), who face the challenge of traditional handcrafts becoming lost over generations, he may actively participate in various training sessions and exchange events, continuously learning new weaving techniques and integrating them with traditional methods—ensuring that the bamboo weaving craft evolves while staying rooted in its heritage.
Boosting Local Development
Azhen (阿真) could use his skills to promote the development of the local bamboo weaving industry and help villagers increase their income. For example, he could organize training for villagers to learn bamboo weaving techniques, collaborate in producing bamboo products, and sell them through various channels.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2676.html
Acainiu (阿才妞) is a member of the Bai Lemo people (白族勒墨人) from Baodeng Village (保登村) in Luobenzhuo Bai Ethnic Township (洛本卓白族乡), Lushui County (泸水县), Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州). Born in 1950, she belongs to a branch of the Bai ethnic group that resides in the Nujiang Grand Canyon (怒江大峡谷) and self-identifies as “Baini (白尼)”.
Mastery of Traditional Craftsmanship
At the age of 15, Acainiu (阿才妞) began learning to sew traditional Lemo women’s and men’s costumes from the elders in her village. Through years of learning and hands-on experience, she mastered the styles and sewing techniques of the Baini (白尼) people’s clothing, successfully inheriting and preserving these traditional skills. She has also actively passed them on to younger Baini women, helping them gain proficiency and ensuring the continuity of this cultural heritage.
Preserving Bai Lemo Costume Culture
Acainiu’s work in cultural transmission has not only protected the traditional costume culture of the Bai Lemo people but has also significantly contributed to the preservation of local culture and the strengthening of ethnic identity. As a bearer of the Bai Lemo costume-making techniques, she employs various methods to engage younger generations in learning this traditional art:
Integrating Modern Design Elements
When teaching traditional costume-making, Acainiu (阿才妞) emphasizes combining traditional elements with modern design. She simplifies traditional patterns and improves costume styles to better suit contemporary aesthetics and the fashion preferences of young people. For example, she blends traditional colors with trendy ones to create garments that are both culturally rich and visually appealing to modern tastes.
Conducting Hands-On Teaching Activities
Beyond teaching at home, Acainiu actively collaborates with schools and community organizations to conduct hands-on learning sessions. By offering live demonstrations and step-by-step instruction, she allows young people to experience the charm of traditional costume-making. This interactive approach sparks interest and provides a relaxed environment for learning.
Using Modern Communication Channels
Acainiu utilizes modern platforms such as social media and e-commerce to showcase the costume-making process and finished products of the Bai Lemo (白族勒墨) tradition. These platforms help her reach a broader audience and attract the interest of young people. She also shares cultural insights through interactions with tourists and students.
Developing Cultural and Creative Products
To further appeal to younger generations, Acainiu combines her traditional skills with the development of cultural and creative products. She creates practical and culturally inspired items like small pendants and keychains. These products not only have everyday use but also carry strong cultural symbolism, making them more accessible and appealing to young people.
Emphasizing the Importance of Cultural Heritage
During her teaching, Acainiu always stresses that the Bai Lemo costumes are not just garments but vital carriers of ethnic culture. By sharing the stories and cultural significance behind the clothing, she inspires a sense of identity and pride in young learners, motivating them to take initiative in learning the craft.
Through these methods, Acainiu has not only successfully attracted young people to learn the art of Bai Lemo costume-making but also revitalized this traditional skill with fresh energy for its ongoing development.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2675.html
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Better life on the way: Transportation development in Dulongjiang
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Like other inheritors of bamboo weaving traditions in various regions, Azhen (阿真) began learning bamboo weaving skills from a young age. Through years of diligent practice, he has mastered...
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Acainiu (阿才妞) is a member of the Bai Lemo people (白族勒墨人) from Baodeng Village (保登村) in Luobenzhuo Bai Ethnic Township (洛本卓白族乡), Lushui County (泸水县), Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州). Born in...
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