Boxwood carving is a traditional Chinese art form, centered around Yueqing, in Zhejiang Province. The craft dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1342 CE), but reached its height during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The carvings are known for their highly-detailed, often humorous portrayals of Chinese folk stories, nature, Buddhist deities, or scenes from classical novels.
This very unusual piece depicts a dancer, possibly from an opera production. She is rendered in the socialist realism style popular in China from the 1950s to the 1970s. Note her tattered tunic, serious Revolutionary expression, and her heroic (yet graceful) stance. Truly a woman of the people!
Boxwood carving is a traditional Chinese art form, centered around Yueqing, in Zhejiang Province. The craft dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1342 CE), but reached its height during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The carvings are known for their highly-detailed, often humorous portrayals of Chinese folk stories, nature, Buddhist deities, or scenes from classical novels.
This very unusual piece depicts a dancer, possibly from an opera production. She is rendered in the socialist realism style popular in China from the 1950s to the 1970s. Note her tattered tunic, serious Revolutionary expression, and her heroic (yet graceful) stance. Truly a woman of the people!
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