Qiao Yu teaches foreigners about bamboo carving on Aug 21. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of 12 foreigners from eight different countries were offered the unique opportunity of learning Liuqing bamboo carving in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on Aug 21.

The collection of expats attended a lecture given by Qiao Yu, a well-respected local bamboo carver in this rich art form that was formally listed by the State Council as an intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

Qiao Yu belongs to a family of bamboo carvers spanning four generations. Qiao began by introducing the basic principles of bamboo carving and then outlined her family's history, one of dedication to bamboo carving lasting over a century.

She then led a two-hour long workshop in which she demonstrated the technique of how to carve on bamboo. And the students were given their own piece of bamboo and offered a choice between the Chinese characters of Fu (good fortune) and Shou (longevity) to carve.

Several foreigners expressed their appreciation of the craft and their excitement at a unique art form. Beth Overby from the United States said this was her first time practicing bamboo carving and noted how challenging she found it.

This event is one in a series of cultural activities called "Love in Wuxi". The series hope to showcase Wuxi as a livable and charming city.

A brief history of Liuqing Bamboo Carving

The Liuqing bamboo carving originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and reached its peak in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. It was during the Qing Dynasty that Wuxi began to produce a great number of master carvers. Zhang Ruizhi, Qiao Yu's great-grandfather, is considered one of Wuxi's great bamboo carvers.

Bamboo carving combines elements of Chinese painting, calligraphy and poetry, requiring a range of highly refined techniques. Works of the art form cover a vast spectrum of styles but are often detailed, simple and elegant. Bamboo carvings are often decorative in function and have become increasingly popular for both locals and tourists in Wuxi.