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  • Zhang Yueqiu - Representative Inheritor of Jianchuan Wood-carving Project in Jianchuan County, Dali 

    05/06/2019Brittany Tian2254 wordsAbout 8 minutes

    Zhang Yueqiu, from Diannan Town (甸南镇), Jianchuan County (剑川县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), is a provincial-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage for the traditional craft of Jianchuan woodcarving (剑川木雕). As a skilled artist and cultural guardian, she plays a vital role in preserving and innovating this national intangible cultural heritage.


    ? Heritage and Artistic Style

    Born into a family of woodcarvers, Zhang Yueqiu grew up immersed in the world of Jianchuan woodcarving. From a young age, she received systematic training in the craft, mastering a wide range of techniques including relief carving, openwork carving, and three-dimensional sculpture.

    Artistic Features

    • Integrates Bai (白族) cultural totems and auspicious motifs with scenes from daily life and nature.

    • Works are known for full compositions, rich layers, and smooth, delicate lines.

    • Excels at decorating doors, windows, screens, and furniture with subjects such as flowers, birds, animals, landscapes, and figures.

    • Embeds in every creation the Bai people’s aspirations for a beautiful life, giving each piece profound cultural meaning.

    Her works not only demonstrate the elegance and refinement of Jianchuan woodcarving but also bring traditional artistry to life with vitality and emotion.


    ?️ Passing Down the Craft and Industry Development

    As a cultural inheritor, Zhang Yueqiu recognizes the importance of “living heritage.” She actively participates in exhibitions and teaching programs, passing down her skills through:

    • Taking on apprentices

    • Organizing training workshops

    • Collaborating with schools to integrate the craft into education

    Her dedication has inspired many young people to learn this ancient art form.

    Innovation and Modern Adaptation

    Zhang Yueqiu also explores ways to blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics and market needs. Under her guidance, Jianchuan woodcarving has expanded beyond traditional architectural components to include cultural and creative products for modern interiors. This approach injects new vitality into the craft, while also promoting local industry development.


    ? Conclusion

    Zhang Yueqiu is not only a highly skilled woodcarver but also a bridge between tradition and modernity. With the patience and perseverance characteristic of women artisans, she safeguards and revitalizes Jianchuan woodcarving (剑川木雕), ensuring its continued brilliance in the contemporary era. Her work contributes significantly to the preservation and innovation of Bai (白族) traditional culture, allowing this thousand-year-old craft to flourish in new ways.

    Zhang Yueqiu - Representative Inheritor of Jianchuan Wood-carving Project in Jianchuan County, Dali 

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