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  • Luo Jiajing - Inheritor of Wood-carving Craft in Jianchuan County, Dali 

    05/06/2019Brittany Tian2734 wordsAbout 10 minutes

    Mr. Luo Jiajing – Renowned Bai Woodcarving Artisan and Ancient Architecture Expert

    Mr. Luo Jiajing, from Dacang Town, Weishan County in Dali Prefecture, is a highly respected inheritor of Bai woodcarving craftsmanship. His skills combine the essence of traditional Bai woodcarving with profound expertise in ancient architectural restoration, earning him the reputation of both a “master carpenter” and an “expert in ancient architecture.”

    ? Key Information at a Glance

    Item Details
    Name Luo Jiajing
    Year of Birth 1946
    Place of Origin Xiatian’er Natural Village, Xingfu Village, Dacang Town, Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
    Field of Expertise Woodcarving, restoration and construction of ancient architecture
    Intangible Cultural Heritage Status Provincial-level Representative Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage (Third Batch)
    Mentorship Apprenticed in 1964 to Master Li Yingfu from Xiangyun
    Representative Works Led the restoration of Gongchen Tower and Xinggong Tower in Weishan; supervised the construction of Xichang Mosque (Sichuan) and Tonghai Ancient City Mosque (Yunnan)

    ? Craftsmanship Features and Achievements

    Exquisite Bai Woodcarving
    Luo Jiajing’s woodcarving artistry inherits the essence of traditional Bai craftsmanship. His carved lattice doors, wooden chairs, and furniture pieces are refined, elegant, and richly traditional. His works transcend mere functionality, standing as artistic treasures. In 1995, his pieces were showcased at the “Kunming Fair” and sold as far as Beijing.

    Outstanding Achievements in Ancient Architecture
    Since the 1980s, Mr. Luo has led the restoration of more than 80% of ancient buildings in Weishan County, including landmark Ming and Qing dynasty structures such as Gongchen Tower, Xinggong Tower, and Zunjing Pavilion. His work extends beyond Weishan to all 13 counties of Dali Prefecture, and further into Chuxiong, Yuxi, and Sichuan, where he has restored or constructed more than 70 temples, mosques, and traditional halls.

    ? Legacy and Influence

    Passing on the Craft
    Dedicated to transmission, Mr. Luo has trained over 300 apprentices, more than 10 of whom now lead their own independent construction teams. Among his disciples is Zheng Shaode, another woodcarving artisan from Dacang, who participated in the restoration of Changchun Cave at Weibao Mountain, a nationally protected cultural heritage site.

    Family Craft, Community Prosperity
    His skills have also become the cornerstone of his family’s livelihood. Except for his youngest grandson, all eight members of his household are engaged in architecture and woodcarving, turning intangible heritage into tangible economic benefit and ensuring that the tradition sustains both culture and community.

    ? Conclusion

    Mr. Luo Jiajing is a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor who masterfully unites Bai woodcarving artistry with the practice of ancient architecture. Through restoring invaluable historical buildings, cultivating new generations of artisans, and integrating craftsmanship into local economic development, he has left an indelible mark on the preservation of traditional culture in Weishan and beyond.

    Luo Jiajing - Inheritor of Wood-carving Craft in Jianchuan County, Dali 

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