Suyang Root Carvings

Suyang Root Carvings

　　Root carving is an art form that takes the natural and distorted shapes of tree roots (including tree trunks, burls, bamboo roots, etc.) as its creative subjects. Through conceptualization, artistic processing, and craftsmanship, it produces artworks such as figures, animals, and utensils. The production of root carvings generally involves eight steps: degreasing, peeling and cleaning, dehydration and drying, shaping, fine finishing, tempering, coloring and varnishing, and naming. Root art creation is a labor-intensive endeavor, requiring one and a half to several years—or even longer—from material selection and modeling to conceptualization, production, and finally naming.

　　　　Suyang is known as the “Hometown of Poplar in China.” Chen Congzhao, a 70-year-old farmer from Xinhua Village, Nanliuji Township, has a special fondness for poplar roots. The poplar “root carvings” he crafts come in a myriad of forms and are considered exceptional, representing a unique treasure in the region’s folk art. Representative works include *Piled Ash Characters • Blessing for Future Generations*, *The Si River Flows On, the Yang Spring Lasts Forever*, *The Divine Turtle*, *Tree Soul*, *New Sprouts*, *Phoenix Seeking Its Mate*, *Cock Crowing at Dawn*, *Choosing a Nest*, *Flower Stand*, and *Vase*.