Born from the depths of the blue ocean, shells—nature's delicate treasures—have captivated humanity for millenniums. In Beihai City, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, these oceanic gifts not only tell the story of the sea but breathe life into the local culture. With exquisite craftsmanship, the locals transform shells into lifelike "wonderlands," embodying the artistry of Beihai shell carving.  

An artist makes a shell carving artwork. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

He Mingjun, a 49-year-old master craftsman and retired soldier, exemplifies this dedication. Originally from Sichuan Province, He was captivated by Beihai's vibrant marine life during a road trip and decided to make the place his home in 2004. 

"The first time I saw shell carving, I was amazed. Coming from an inland area, I had never encountered such colorful shells," He recalled.

He Mingjun and his artwork (Photo provided to People's Daily)

He began his apprenticeship under master artisans Wu Xiuyuan and Jiang Huanzhu, both inheritors of the intangible cultural heritage of Beihai shell carving. This marked the start of a 16-year journey of learning and mastery.

Crafting with passion

Shell carving is known as the essence of marine culture. Utilizing natural rare shellfish as raw materials, artisans harness the shells' natural colors and textures through a refined process involving design, material selection, cleaning, cutting, detailed carving, retouching, polishing, and assembling.

"In the world, shellfish represent the second largest category of species, with more than 100,000 types. Many people think that once the pearls are extracted, the shells are useless. However, we repurpose these shells to create flowers, birds, and landscapes, evoking a sense of beauty," He explained.

Material selection is a key step in this process. "Shells come in vibrant colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. We typically use about 30 types of shells, and the selection must align with the specific design of the piece. Thus, artisans must be very familiar with each shell's shape, color, luster and texture to apply them effectively in their work." He said.

Various types of shells (Photo provided to People's Daily)

"To accommodate the unique characteristics of shell materials, we have developed our own grinding wheel machine for carving. We use large, medium, and small grinding wheels, each serving distinct functions. This innovation is not found in other carving industries," He explained.

An artist uses a grinding wheel machine to create a shell carving work. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

Reviving shell art

He is committed to promoting and preserving the craft of shell carving, but the journey has not been without obstacles. With the continuous evolution of modern household products and the impact of the pandemic, sales of shell carvings have stagnated. 

"Innovation is crucial," He said. "With the rising trend of 'China Chic,' we must consciously explore new breakthroughs in shell carving presentation. We have incorporated elements of Chinese culture into our designs, showcasing both high craftsmanship and cultural value."

Shell carving depicting the peony flower (Photo provided to People's Daily)

In addition to the integration of new elements, He has begun diversifying product ideas by developing smaller items like hair clips, brooches, and earrings, bringing shell carving into everyday life.

Passing the torch

"In the past, Beihai's shell carving was a cornerstone of our local economy, providing jobs for many. However, in recent years, we've faced significant challenges. Now, we're striving to revitalize the industry. I hope to tell the unique story of each shell, weaving it into the broader narrative of the marine art," He stated.

He refers to the inheritance of shell carving as a "salvage" inheritance. Today, the oldest member of his team is in her 70s, while young artisans born after 2000 are also involved.

Old and young artisans work in a workshop. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

"After years of dedication, as we transition from black hair to gray, it feels like the process of shell carving itself. We have exchanged time for something beautiful, ensuring that shell carving is passed down through the generations. Witnessing the revival of our traditional craft brings me immense satisfaction," He said, reflecting on his career.