Despites its creative nature, the workspace very much resembles factory line operation with workers clocking-in at 8 a.m. and finishing at 5 p.m. with only a short lunch break. During the working hours, craftsmen are extremely engaged and focused on the piece they are working on. It seems they all really enjoy their work and during the break the higher skilled carvers go upstairs to the showroom area to drink green tea and look at wood carving magazines which showcase the latest designs from artisans all over China.

Nothing like this really exists in my home country – England. I do wonder though how long this ancient craft can continue as the world focuses more on protection of the environment and forest preservation. Although it is in many ways a specialized industry, it is also a colossal one and gives employment to many thousands across Fujian Province. Hopefully a balance can be struck between creating beauty from nature and leaving natural beauty well alone.

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