It is often the case that the rich cultural heritage of China, renowned for its variety and vastness, may unwillingly steer our attention away from its more delicate and lesser-known traditions. One such art form is the centuries old craft of fruit pit carving which is believed to have originated in the Tang Dynasty more than 1000 years ago.
An art developed in the imperial courts, but it became more and more popular over time. The designs and carvings also evolved in time, and they have now come to reflect the style and uniqueness of each region of China that has since adopted the technique.
Some of the most famous provinces that continue preserving the pit carving tradition to this day are Shandong, Guangdong, Guanxi and Sichuan. One can see that the tiny depictions that artists from different provinces choose to make will differ from one place to the another. They may range from floral patterns to animals and from exotic landscapes to mythical creatures. But that is not all.
It is not only the carvings themselves that differ. China is a very big country. Different regions are home to different fruits and by extension different fruit pits. Guangdong may be famous for its peaches, while artist from other provinces may choose to use almond or olive pits for their carvings.
Nonetheless, regardless of the depiction or the choice of fruit pit, the final results are absolutely stunning. A wide range of tricks and methods are employed to bring to life entire scenes with detailed characters and even moving parts. Pits are sometimes combined to create bigger scenes or to create showcase pieces beyond a tiny pendant or charm. The outer shell of a peach pit may be hollowed out to reveal a beautiful butterfly on a delicate branch or the natural colour and lines of the pit may be preserved so as to resemble thick locks of hair falling either side of an intricate portrait.
Whatever the choice of the artist, one can easily see how this art form, not only has been preserved to this day through family traditions and close knit communities, but has also been recognised as intangible cultural heritage that ought to be preserved and maintained. It is a tradition that truly encapsulates the spirit of Chinese craftsmanship. It is a living legacy of patience and precision, two values that permeate Chinese artistic expression and even life.
Its importance could never be more evident than it is today. It is a bridge that reminds us to keep the richness of the past alive while also taking the time in our busy schedules to create something beautiful, as small as it may be. Moreover, witnessing the art form and style change and embrace new designs and markets is a warm promise of how things can evolve and adapt in order to preserve their meaning and essence. The many younger artists and families who continue pit carving and share its beauty through new means, social media and digital marketplaces are proof of the importance of culture and art that brings people together. From them we can truly draw honest inspiration towards preserving those things that are really worth keeping alive.
Video credit:
- 核源 - 小红书 Photo credit:
- 恒烜堂 - 小红书
- 表哥核雕鉴藏馆 - 小红书
- 2023 Weifang Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition along the Yellow River Basin and the Grand Canal
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