National level stone carving engraver Qian Sanmao has begun searching for new apprentices  in Kunming, Yunnan province.

Qian is one of only a handful of stone carving masters in the country and grew up in China's sculpture capital – Hui'an county in Fujian province. It was there that he began learning how to sculpt in his teens.

Many of his works, such as Audrey Hepburn and Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, have earned him national awards. He has since travelled to many places around the country, promoting the engraving art and learning from different artists, before opening a studio in Kunming.

"Stone-shadow carving doesn't develop well and I hope to pass it on," said Qian. Such is his passion for the art form that Qian does not ask for tuition from his learners and has no demands on their education background. "I believe art comprehension is the most important," said Qian.

Stone-shadow carving is usually created on pure colored granite and therefore has strict demand on creator's eyesight and brawn. Unlike traditional pictures, the carving can last longer without color fading.

The carving pictures can be used to decorate houses, temples and cemeteries. In recent years, couples have chosen to make their wedding pictures in stone-shadow carving form. The prices of works vary from dozens of yuan to more than 10 million yuan, based on their artistic value.

Carving master, Qian Sanmao at his work studio in Kunming. [Photo/ynci.cn]