Dezhou artist creates cosmic visions in tiny fruit pits

[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Fruit pit carving is a traditional art form that involves meticulously sculpting intricate designs onto the pits of various fruits. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, it has earned the title of "fingertip artistry".

Among the diverse types of fruit pit carving, Pingyuan county, Dezhou is particularly renowned for its olive pit carving. Unlike other fruit pits, olive pits boast a smooth, untextured surface, providing a larger canvas for intricate carvings. The inherent qualities of olive pits, including their fine, resilient texture and dense grain, make them ideal for carving delicate details and creating lifelike sculptures.

Pingyuan county's olive pit carving tradition is exemplified by the works of Song Wentao, a renowned artist who has garnered significant acclaim for his unique style and choice of subject matter. Song's carvings often feature captivating depictions of ghost faces, showcasing his mastery of the delicate art form.

Characterized by flowing lines, distinct structures, and a bold, unrestrained style, the olive pit carvings of Pingyuan county stand as a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. With their distinctive aesthetic appeal, these carvings have become treasured artistic gems, embodying the creativity and craftsmanship of Pingyuan county's artisans.

Check out the video to find more. (Edited by Yang Yingxue)