In the heart of Changde, just one kilometer east of Wuling Pavilion, stands the serene and elegant Changde Museum. As winter gave way to spring, the museum became the center of attention with the "Taoyuan Nightmare - Li Anhua Taoyuan Carved Bed Boutique Exhibition." This event shattered the usual quietness of the space, drawing not only local visitors but also tour groups from Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. As people admired the intricate beauty of these carved beds, many couldn’t help but wonder: Who created these masterpieces? And where did this art originate? The answer is simple: “Taoyuan Gong.” “Taoyuan Gong” – The Essence of Palace Craftsmanship “Taoyuan Gong” refers to a unique school of craftsmanship that includes stonework, woodcarving, embroidery, and jade carving. It is deeply rooted in the traditions of architecture, home furnishings, and cultural exchanges. Known for its long history and distinctive artistic style, it has attracted artisans and admirers alike for centuries. The origins of “Taoyuan Gong” are closely tied to the historical development of Changde. During the Tang Dynasty, Changde was part of the Song territory. Later, during the Ming Dynasty, Prince Zhu Shu Feng was stationed in Changde, and to build his palace, a large number of skilled craftsmen were brought in from the capital. These techniques gradually merged with local craftsmanship. After the fall of the Ming Dynasty, many court artisans fled to Changde, spreading their skills across regions like Shimen and Taoyuan. Over time, the fusion of royal and local craftsmanship gave rise to a unique style that combined delicate detail with bold simplicity. This tradition eventually led to the name “Taoyuan Gong.” During the Ming and Qing dynasties, “Taoyuan Gong” reached its peak. Artisans were often summoned to the imperial court to create exquisite carvings, decorations, and furniture for the royal family. Even local government buildings bore the mark of this craft. However, after **, the craft suffered a decline, and its influence waned over time. In the 1980s, the restoration of Yuelu Academy’s “Sexuality Days” and “Drama Southern Pulses” faced serious threats. Fortunately, Professor Yang Shenchu, who was responsible for the restoration, sought out renowned masters nationwide. He ultimately chose Zhu Wen’an and his wife to carry out the work. Zhu Wen’an, a native of Taojia Yuanjiaping, was a celebrated root art sculptor and a descendant of Qing Dynasty palace artisans. He was known as “the first knife in South China.” After his passing, his son, Zhu Deyuan, inherited his father’s legendary skill. Art That Precedes Picasso Taoyuan Woodcarving, now highly regarded in the art collection world, is a shining example of “Taoyuan Gong” craftsmanship. It draws inspiration from Han Dynasty brick carvings, emphasizing refinement and embodying the Chinese artistic philosophy of “white is black, less is more.” The shapes are natural, the lines concise yet meaningful. As one observer noted, “The landscapes are subtly decorated, yet the artistic vision is profound; the figures are balanced and elegant; the flowers and birds come to life.” In terms of artistic expression, Taoyuan woodcarving shares a similar goal with the 19th-century “three-dimensional painting school” pioneered by Picasso, but it emerged hundreds of years earlier. Among the exhibits at the Changde Museum is a Qing Dynasty carved bed known as the “Screw-Turning Well,” covering 13 square meters. It took over three years to complete, with 106 figures carved into the design. The number 108, considered auspicious in ancient times, is reflected in the bed, symbolizing a full circle of fortune. Every detail is unique, from the grand scenes of the Qianlong River to the elegant Confucian ceremonies, the dynamic figures, and the seasonal motifs of flowers and animals. The left side features a money tree, symbolizing wealth and peace, while the door is adorned with phoenix wings and floral patterns, creating a visually stunning masterpiece. The carving techniques used on these beds include round sculpture, relief, openwork, and hollow carving, each executed with precision and care. Painting is another crucial step in the process. The quality of the paint directly affects the visual impact and longevity of the piece. Zhang Huiqing, a 58-year-old painter and 8-year-old apprentice, explained the importance of lighting, shading, and polishing. His most cherished work is a wooden fish from Taohuayuan, which has been polished for 20 years and continues to shine brighter with time. Beyond woodcarving, Taoyuan jade and stone carvings are also well-known, particularly the famous stone lions. A Legacy Preserved by Devoted Artisans Since the 1980s, visionaries in Changde have worked to preserve private collections of Taoyuan woodcarvings and other works of “Taoyuan Gong.” One such figure is Zhang Xuexiang, former head of the Jiulong Palace Woodcarving Research and Production Center. After studying at the Hunan Institute of Education and meeting Zhu Wen’an during the restoration of an imperial concubine’s belongings, Zhang’s life took a new direction. In 1996, at age 42, he retired early to focus on protecting Taoyuan woodcarving and was granted special approval. Zhu Wen’an and other “Taoyuan Gong” artisans joined him, forming a research and production center. Today, over 30 skilled craftsmen from the center are active across Changde, Hunan, and beyond. Li Anhua, the collector behind the current exhibition, has amassed hundreds of Taoyuan carved beds through her own efforts, making her a true legend in the field. The artistic achievements of “Taoyuan Gong” hold a significant place in Chinese arts and crafts history, offering rich potential for further study. Currently, the Changde cultural department is working to include “Taoyuan Gong” in the provincial intangible heritage application, helping to fill a gap in the folk arts and crafts category.

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