Jianmen Root Carvings

Jianmen Root Carvings

　　The Jianmen root carvings are handicrafts made from the precious roots of "Tanmu" and "Tamu" trees found in the Jianmen Mountain area. Based on the natural shapes of the materials, folk artisans carefully carve them into various forms—such as rare birds and animals, natural landscapes, or flowers, birds, fish, and dragons—which are then paired with potted plants and miniature landscapes to create practical decorative pieces. The wood is fine-grained, with a yellowish-brown hue, and the carvings are beautifully shaped and exquisitely crafted, blending the beauty of nature with the artistry of sculpture. They embody a rich ethnic style and local characteristics, making them elegant decorations for living spaces. In 1970, the Jianmen Walking Stick Art Factory was established, and in 1972, its carved works were selected by the province to participate in the first National Arts and Crafts Exhibition. In 1982, large root carvings such as "Golden Pheasants in Rivalry" and "Phoenixes Singing at Dawn" were created for the Great Hall of the People, earning a provincial science and technology achievement award.