Egg carving is a traditional folk art form in the Zhangdian district of Zibo city – located in East China's Shandong province – which fashions designs on the eggshells of birds.
It originates from the custom of giving carved eggs as gifts at weddings and birthday parties. It is regarded as being a sophisticated craft as it often involves engraving, painting, as well as embroidery. Given that the carving is conducted on eggshells, it is often called "the most fragile art", which requires ultimate precision.
Zibo's egg carving was included in the list of the district's intangible cultural heritage projects in 2021.
An egg carving work made from an ostrich eggshell, features two dragons in the clouds. [Photo/zbnews.net]
Four examples of egg art that depict a plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum – the honored "four gentlemen" of flowers in China. [Photo/zbnews.net]
Six examples of egg art that integrate traditional Chinese culture. In this case quyi – or folk art forms – that celebrate ballad singing, storytelling, cross-talk and clapper talk. [Photo/zbnews.net]
