Dazu Stone Carvings

Dazu Stone Carvings

Dazu Stone Carvings is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Dazu Stone Carvings

　　Dazu District Brand Strategy Promotion Association of Chongqing

　　Dazu Stone Carvings The Dazu Stone Carvings are mainly practiced in the northern areas of Dazu District such as Longgang, Tangxiang Subdistrict, Baoding Town, Zhong’ao Town, and Wanguan Town. These are purely hand-carved art pieces rich in Bayu regional characteristics. Their production history dates back to the early Tang Dynasty, before the establishment of Dazu County, making it a craft with a very long history.

　　Dazu Stone Carvings primarily use locally sourced sandstone and bluestone, as well as materials like purple robe jade and white marble from Guizhou and Sichuan. The carvings mainly depict Buddhist figures, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, various forms of Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), and arhats. A wide range of carving techniques are employed, including relief carving, openwork carving, round carving, hollow carving, and incised carving. The production process involves material selection, conceptualization, drafting, clay modeling, mold making, carving, fine carving, polishing, and finishing. The finished Dazu Stone Carvings are exquisitely crafted, vividly expressive, and incredibly lifelike, often referred to as "modern cultural relics." They have won numerous national and municipal gold awards and serve as unique travel souvenirs, valuable craft collectibles, and premium gifts. These artworks are exported to over 40 countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Nearly a hundred media outlets, such as China Central Television, Economic Daily, and Hong Kong Wen Wei Po, have reported on them. Large Dazu Stone Carvings can be used as sculptures in venues and clubs to showcase local culture, while smaller ones can enhance interior decor with an Eastern cultural touch. They carry high cultural value and possess significant artistic and collectible worth.

　　In September 2009, the Chongqing Municipal People's Government included Dazu Stone Carvings in the second batch of municipal intangible cultural heritage lists.