Shell carvings, with distinctive materials and designs of Pingtan County, drew a lot of attention at the 7th Cross-Straits Cultural Industry Expo, which was opened in Xiamen, Fujian province on Oct 24.

Two visitors admire a shell carving at the 7th Cross-Straits Cultural Industry Expo, which was opened in Xiamen, Fujian province on Oct 24. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

All 15 shell carvings were brought by the Dahan Cultural Creation Co, which is the only enterprise from Pingtan taking part in the expo.

The vivid patterns on the shells reflect some of Pingtan’s most famous brands such as daffodils, Pi Xiu (a mythical animal akin to a Chinese unicorn), Shi Pai Yang (a disc-shaped reef which looks like a big ship with two sails), and Haixia ferry (a passenger ship sails between Pingtan and Taiwan).

“The carvings with Haixia ferry and Shi Pai Yang are the most popular items. Many visitors have shown an interest in them and contacted us to talk about cooperation,” said Lin Ping, executive director of the company.

“They are an intangible cultural heritage and have a long history in Pingtan. So they are the best choice to embody the characteristics of Pingtan,” he added.

To blend more Pingtan elements into the work, the craftsmen use materials such as pearl shells, or shells from locally-bred clams and abalones, and inlay them into plates. The final artwork also integrates traditional Chinese painting, and calligraphy as well as pottery firing.

“Do not underestimate Pingtan’s shell carving, as it reflects the abundance in Pingtan’s tourism resources,” said Liang Qinlong, deputy director of the administrative committee of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone.