Pingtan Shell Carving

Pingtan shell carving is not only on the list of Fujian’s intangible cultural heritage but also bear “China Geographical Indication”. The lifelike artwork is all made by hand, and the presences of these shell carving products are endowed by the color, luster, texture and shape of the shells. As Pingtan abounds in colorful shellfish, conchs, mussels, clams and other marine products, craftsmen exert their rich imagination to collage, polish and glue together shells into these beautiful handicrafts embodying the natural beauty of shells, the sophistication of the carving techniques, and the stylishness of traditional Chinese painting. Today, while carrying on the traditional techniques, shell carving craftsmen make innovation by applying the concept of contemporary aesthetics and using a broad range of materials to take the art of shell carving to a new height. Many media at home and abroad have reported on the inheritance and development of Pingtan shell carving. It can be said that Pingtan shell carving embodies the wisdom of several generations of Pingtan artists and is a truly outstanding representative of Pingtan arts and crafts.