Suzhou Artisan Named To National Cultural Relic List

A 74-year-old Xiangshan bamboo craftsman, Xue Linggen, has been included in China's first list of master cultural relic artisans. The resulting construction caused a sensation in both China and the United States upon completion. Since 1980, he has trained 12 apprentices to preserve regional building memories. He has contributed to the field by teaching at universities, writing textbooks, producing documentaries, and establishing a woodworking research laboratory. Xue also utilizes digital technology to assist in the restoration of historical wooden structures. The lineage of craftsmanship continues through his son, Xue Dong, who serves as the current director of the Taihu Ancient Architecture Design Institute. While modern machinery can carve bricks more efficiently, Xue Linggen noted that machine-carved products fail to meet specific traditional craftsmanship requirements. An organization is planning to bring specific works to the United States in September to promote domestic cultural heritage globally. China has announced the first list of National Cultural Relic Master Artisans, consisting of ten individuals. A family of artisans from the Xiangshanbang school in Xukou Town, Suzhou, continues a tradition dating back to the Spring and Autumn period. The family maintains their craft through oral traditions and specific mnemonic rules. Only a dozen members of the family currently practice this specific lineage of Xiangshanbang craftsmanship.