Chrysanthemum-Stone Carving

Chrysanthemum-stone carving is a traditional handcraft unique to Liuyang, working the natural stone formed in the Liuyang riverbed over two hundred million years ago whose white crystals resemble chrysanthemum blossoms. Because this stone is found only in Liuyang, the craft is called "chrysanthemums in stone." It entered the second national ICH list in 2008.

Carvers shape each piece to its stone, using relief, in-the-round and openwork techniques to weave the natural flower forms into the composition, fashioning ornaments of blossoms, landscapes and figures, prizing harmony between material and craft.

Chrysanthemum-stone carving unites natural wonder with human artistry as a singular branch of Chinese stone carving, showing the ingenuity of Hunan craftsmen and holding considerable artistic value.