The gourd, phonetically resembling “fortune and prosperity,” has long been a symbol of good luck and is a beloved traditional talisman of the Chinese people. Gourd pyrography is a unique painting technique that uses gourds as a canvas and a heated metal pen to create intricate artworks depicting a vast world on the varied forms of gourds.
Entering the home of Cao Yan, a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage project of gourd pyrography in Linyi County, Shandong Province, one can find gourds of all sizes and shapes, each adorned with pyrography crafted by her own hands. Cao shared with reporters that she is completely self-taught in this art form. Nine years ago, she stumbled upon an image of a gourd pyrography work online, and this unique art form instantly captured her attention, igniting her passion to learn.
Without hesitation, Cao quickly purchased a set of professional pyrography tools. Despite lacking any prior artistic background and without a teacher’s guidance, she spent her time gathering learning materials online and practicing repeatedly. After countless hours of practice, she gradually mastered the technique. “I practiced for nearly a year and can’t recall how many gourds I ruined, but I became fairly skilled and was satisfied with my works,” Cao said, expressing her fulfillment when her gourd pyrography began to take shape and received recognition from peers.
The creation of gourd pyrography begins with selecting materials. Before starting, Cao carefully considers the shape and size of each gourd to decide on a design. After completing her concept, she sketches the outline with a pencil on the gourd, then uses an electric pyrography pen to create the outline, followed by coloring with a blending pen. Cao remarked, “The process of pyrography requires patience. One must avoid being anxious or impatient. It’s essential to follow the techniques closely to produce a perfect work that embodies both form and spirit.” With years of experience, Cao’s pyrography skills have reached a remarkable level. Whether depicting landscapes, flowers, birds, or mythical figures, she excels in all, transforming gourds ranging from five centimeters to sixty or seventy centimeters into unique artworks full of life through pyrography and shading.
Cao Yan’s work “Wetland Affection”
Cao Yan publishes her works online, attracting buyers from across the country. Seeing traditional art being cherished and sought after by so many people brings her great joy. Cao hopes to maintain her love for gourd pyrography and create more visually pleasing works, attracting more individuals to join the ranks of inheritance, ensuring that this ancient craft is passed down for generations to come.
