Artist in Shandong's county paints cultural heritage on the gourd

The detailed process of gourd pyrography. [Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Dekun, a folk artist from Xiajin county, Shandong province, has a deep passion for gourd pyrography and is recognized as an inheritor of this art in his region. With his skilled hands, he transforms ordinary gourds into extraordinary pieces of art, each one bearing his unique touch and exquisite craftsmanship.

Wang's gourd pyrography studio is a treasure trove of artistry, where shelves are adorned with a plethora of gourd artworks in varying sizes. From grand decorations featuring auspicious patterns and local landmarks to delicate pendants depicting zodiac signs and intricate figures, each piece boasts its unique design, captivating the attention of visitors. In Wang's skilled hands, even the most miniature gourd holds the power to contain a universe of creativity and beauty.

The gourd carries excellent symbolism in Chinese culture, symbolizing auspiciousness and prosperity due to its phonetic similarity to "fulu" in Chinese. This significance has made gourd pyrography a revered art form, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. 

Using the gourd as a canvas and a soldering iron as a tool, artisans skillfully employ painting and carving techniques to create stunning designs, showcasing the rich artistic tradition of this craft.

Gourd pyrography, the art of decoration with burn marks, traces its roots back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) and flourished during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). Despite facing setbacks during periods of war, it resurged in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), mainly through the work of folk artists who utilized gourds as their canvas, captivating audiences with their craftsmanship. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), many literati and poets embraced this art form, often decorating gourds with their paintings and poetry. Legend has it that Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was so enamored with gourd art that he often commanded court painters to craft intricate patterns on them. (Edited by Zhang Ying)