Traditional folk art helps villagers shake off poverty

Situated in northwest China, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture is a major Muslim area and also once a trade stop along the ancient Silk Road.

The folk art of brick carving has been thriving there, boosting the local economy.

With a history of over 120 years, the handicraft of brick carving has been passed to its fifth generation.

Dubbed the 'flowers blossoming on bricks,' the unique folk art has long been used on building facades.

In order to tap the potential of this traditional hand-made craft, the artists have set up a factory and adopted large-scale production.

A piece of brick carving work is exhibited at a museum in northwest China's Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture. [Photo: China Plus]

Fifth generation artist Gao Yinyan says the move has helped to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of her fellow villagers.

"For example, a lot of exquisitely carved bricks have been used in our new construction projects. With the improved economy, people who are better off and willing to introduce such artistic forms into their buildings. There are a total of 38 workers in the factory, 23 of them from low income families," said Gao.

68-year-old Pu Binxi is from such a family and now a carver of the factory.

"I was once a farmer and now have become a worker. My job doesn't carry the same risks as that of a construction worker. Neither the boss nor my wife needs to worry about my safety," said Pu.

The annual income of Pu and his wife can reach 50,000 yuan. 

The local custom of brick carving was inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage list of China in 2014.

In order to improve employment, local brick artists have abandoned the tradition of family inheritance and trained many local villagers into brick carvers.