Xiangxi Woodcarving (Miao Woodcarving)
Woodcarving has a long history. It was first formed in the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, developed in the Tang and Song Dynasties, and prevailed in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It can be divided into craft woodcarving and artistic woodcarving. Xiangxi Miao woodcarving belongs to the category of craft and artistic woodcarving. Its formation is closely related to the unique natural geographical environment of Xiangxi, the local folk customs and cultural atmosphere. Its carving art retains the traditional aesthetics of Miao culture that emphasizes pictographic and symmetric, integrates the cultural elements of the Han nationality, and always coexists with architectural art. The significant difference between it and woodcarving in other regions is that Miao woodcarving pays great attention to symmetry in layout, is slightly rough and bold in shape, and emphasizes practicality in function. After long-term practice, exploration, inheritance and summary by craftsmen, carving techniques such as round carving, relief carving, through carving, negative carving, hollow double-sided carving, and inlaid carving have become quite mature in Miao carving, and are widely used in house components, furniture, statues, folk customs, ornaments, screens, etc., and are inseparable from people's production. Pushi Town, with its profound historical and cultural heritage, concentrates the relationship between Miao wood carving craftsmanship and people's lives. A team of wood carving artists continues to this day.