Qufu Kai Wood Carving

Qufu kai wood carving has endured for more than 2,400 years, its raw material the rare kai tree that grows only in Qufu's Cemetery of Confucius, a traditional craft unique to the city and counted among its "three treasures" (kai carving, rubbings and Nishan inkstones). Tradition holds that after the Master's death his disciple Zi Gong carved seated images of Confucius and his wife Qi Guanshi from kai wood in gratitude, the origin of the craft; the "kai planted by Zi Gong" still stands. It entered the second national ICH list in 2008 under traditional arts.

Working in kai wood, carvers use in-the-round, relief and openwork techniques on subjects such as Confucius images, ruyi sceptres, brush rests, figures, flowers and birds, prising harmony with the material and its natural grain with clean, sure knife-work; the Yan family school is a major lineage of the craft.

Blending rare natural material, the bond between master and disciple and refined carving skill, Qufu kai wood carving is a singular branch of Chinese woodcarving, carrying Confucian ethical feeling and the local craft tradition of Qufu and holding real artistic and spiritual value.

Kai carvings can be viewed and bought at the Three Confucian Sites and at local workshops and cultural shops in Qufu.