Dalian artisan's 10-year project wins China's highest folk art honor

In addition to showcasing the artistry of ancient Chinese architectural design, the artwork incorporates elements of the Chinese folk culture's auspicious dragon and phoenix motifs, breaking away from the previous monotonous dragon-only motifs.

Jin Ji's father, Jin A'shan, was the first in the Chinese shell carving industry to be honored with the title of Chinese arts and crafts master. The father made innovations to shell-carving techniques and added precious gems to his work.

As inheritors of the intangible cultural heritage of shell carving, they have personally funded the establishment of two museums in Ganjingzi district of Dalian to promote and pass on the Dalian shell carving craftsmanship to more people.

These museums are dedicated to showcasing and promoting shell carving artworks and have also become internship bases for various art colleges in Liaoning.