National Recognition for Huangyan Fanhuang Bamboo Carving Master

Recently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the sixth batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative inheritors. Among them is Gu Qiwang, a master of Fanhuang bamboo carving (carved on the inner surface of bamboo culms). Let's get to know this inheritor of traditional craft.

Gu Qiwang, a senior arts and crafts master, is recognized as a representative of the first batch of Zhejiang Province's intangible cultural heritage projects, the second batch of folk artists, and the third batch of arts and crafts masters in Zhejiang Province. At 17, he began learning carpentry and Fanhuang bamboo carving from his father, honing his exquisite skills over a lifetime. From a young man to an elder in his seventies, he has dedicated his life to the love of Huangyan Fanhuang bamboo carving.

Originating in the late Qing Dynasty, Fanhuang bamboo carving has a history of over a hundred years. Named for its carvings on the inner surface of bamboo culms, it is also known as "Tiehuang," "Zhuhuang," or "Wenzhu." This craft is a unique treasure in China. Historically, large-scale Fanhuang bamboo carving works were rare due to the limited length of bamboo nodes, generally under 30 centimeters. Gu Qiwang conducted countless experiments on bamboo node removal and finally developed the innovative technique of retaining nodes while extracting the Huang (bamboo spring).

Since 2000, Gu Qiwang's works have won multiple gold and silver awards in national arts and crafts competitions. He has also successfully replicated several items from the Forbidden City collection.