Siyang Nut Carving

Siyang Nut Carving

　　Siyang nut carving uses peach pits that are thick-shelled, round in shape, and have shallow patterns. These are intricately carved on an area about the size of a fingertip to create various prayer beads, Buddha statues, and spherical ornaments. The themes include "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea," "A Phoenix Playing with Peonies," "A Panda Eating Bamboo," "Monkeys Playing on a Boat," "A Tiger Descending the Mountain," "A Double Happiness Flower Basket," and "Flower-and-Bird Vases," among others. Among the representative works is "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea," where the figures are vividly posed, each showcasing unique charm and exquisitely detailed craftsmanship, as if about to step down from the carving; another is the "Heads of the Eighteen Arhats," each expressing solemnity or kindness, joy or anger, with expressions and emotions depicted with striking realism.

　　　Siyang was historically known as Peach Blossom Land. As early as over 2,000 years ago, the people here believed that "peaches could ward off evil spirits" and loved planting peach trees. Peach carving is a folk craft that involves carving materials such as peach pits, walnut shells, or even cherry pits. Once carved, they are strung with fine cords or mounted on bases, then hung or placed on desks as auspicious objects. Hanging peach carvings on children also carries the traditional meaning of driving away evil and ensuring safety. A local proverb says: “A home with three peach trees fears not the howls of wandering ghosts!” The county annals from the Ming Dynasty recorded: “Many peach trees are planted below Shuichuan Mound, which is what is referred to as the ‘Thousand Acres of Heavenly Peaches’ among the eight scenic spots.” Emperor Kangxi was greatly amazed upon seeing the peach carvings from Yundu and composed a poem about them: “Every household at the crossing owns a whittling knife, magically transforming decay into exquisite peach carvings. Their forms and postures are all delightful, proving that extraordinary skills often come from the common folk.”