From majestic eagles to graceful sparrows, Xu Jun's food carvings capture lifelike details with just a simple carving knife and everyday fruits and vegetables. 

Xu Jun's food carvings.(Photo provided to People's Daily)

This ancient art form, dating back over 2,000 years, continues to thrive today thanks to artists like Xu, who bring foods to life with their craft. 

An eagle preys on a snake.(Photo provided to People's Daily)

Xu's journey into food carving began in 2004 after he finished junior high school and started working at a hotel. There, he saw chefs carving vegetables into flowers, birds, insects and beasts. "Seeing these lifelike ornaments, I was inspired to learn this technique. It magically transforms ordinary vegetables into exquisite works of art," Xu recalled. 

Dedication and mastery

Determined to master food carving, Xu traveled across the country, seeking out renowned masters and often practicing from 8 am until 1 am. "I practiced nearly nonstop; as long as I was awake, I was practicing," Xu remembers of those intense days.

Years of dedication have made Xu a master, known for his visually striking creations. Xu's creative process involves meticulous planning, careful material selection, and the carving itself – a step that can take several days. "A single misstep can ruin the entire piece, forcing us to start over," Xu said.

Behind each piece lies countless hours of work, evident in Xu's blackened, scarred fingertips. Xu attributes his success not to talent, but to relentless dedication. "Even the most talented person can't excel in this field without decades of unwavering passion and perseverance," he said. 

Xu sculpts animal from ordinary vegetables. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

Attention to detail

Xu's keen observation skills bring charm and vitality to his work. Once, he spent an entire day at the zoo studying a tiger's behavior to capture its essence in a carving.

"It's crucial to master the proportions and anatomy of the tiger's body," Xu explained. "It's body is flexible when it walks, yet its leg muscles appear very powerful. When descending a hill, its front leg muscles become notably tense." 

A mighty tiger (Photo provided to People's Daily)

Xu also incorporates traditional Chinese culture into his art, drawing inspiration from classic Chinese novels, mythology and folklore. 

Ancient myths: Chang'e ascends to the moon (Photo provided to People's Daily)

Preserving an art form 

"Many people say that food carving, no matter how skillfully executed, can't last long. I think that's what makes it so special. Beautiful things are always fleeting, but we'll keep exploring and innovating." Xu said.

For Xu, food carving is an essential part of Chinese culinary culture. It allows people to appreciate not only the taste of food but also its visual beauty. This is why he is committed to preserving and passing down the art form.

In Xu's studio, more young people are learning the techniques of food carving. Xu hopes that through teaching and promoting the craft, it will continue to evolve and delight diners with its beauty.

"Over the years, thousands of elite food carvers have been trained," Xu said. To further promote the art, Xu also shares food carving videos online, ensuring that this ancient art form is preserved and passed on to future generations.