For over a month, the dedicated artisans at 一盒故乡 – 邹大侠 bamboo weaving studio immersed themselves in a singular vision: bringing a magnificent 2-meter-tall horse to life, crafted entirely by hand. This tedious undertaking was a profound act of devotion to an ancient craft.

The journey from raw bamboo to sculptural masterpiece involved an astonishing level of detail and collective effort. Craftsmen meticulously split bamboo into fine strips, then patiently shaped its rounded form, layer upon painstaking layer. Each curve was adjusted with millimetre precision, proportions were carefully balanced, and the weave progressively tightened. The continuous refinement of the surface continued until the form perfectly captured their artistic intent. This intense focus on human precision differentiates traditional handcraft from the uniformity of mass production.

The finished work, tenderly titled Qing Mei Zhu Ma, which beautifully translates to “Childhood Sweethearts”—an idiom rooted in Tang Dynasty poetry describing enduring, shared history—recently embarked on its journey to an exhibition. Before its departure, the studio gathered, reverently documenting the piece from every angle. It served as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable elements embedded in handicraft: the significant investment of time, the dedication born from repetition, and the unparalleled precision that speaks volumes of China’s intangible cultural heritage. This piece stands as a testament to skills passed down through generations, still thriving in contemporary art.

All images via Xiaohongshu.