BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Lifeless tree roots can be turned into fabulous and vivid artworks by a Chinese craftsman from Lanling County, east China's Shandong Province.
Lou Xiaoduo, 54 years old, is one of the inheritors of the traditional Chinese art form of root carving, which consists of carving and polishing tree roots into various artistic creations based on the roots' natural forms.
Lou's interest in the art began early in his childhood, when his father used to carve tree roots into lifelike animals as toys for him.
The craftsman learned root carving skills from his father.
During the past 40-odd years, Lou has created more than 1,000 pieces of root carving work in shapes such as figures, animals, plants and flowers. These exquisitely crafted artworks with profound implications have high appreciation and collection value. Many of them are sold to or collected by domestic and overseas buyers.
(Edited by Su Dan with Xinhua Silk Road, sudan@xinhua.org)
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