Dongyang woodcarving work, by Chen Yizhong, is displayed at the Heritage Blossoms, Women Shine exhibition. [Photo/Dongyang Media Convergence Center]
A woodcarving piece from Dongyang county-level city in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, captivated delegates worldwide at Heritage Blossoms, Women Shine — a special exhibition celebrating the 2025 Global Leaders' Meeting on Women held in Beijing on Oct 13 and 14.
The work, named Chang'e Flying to the Moon, was crafted by Chen Yizhong, a provincial master craftsman, in 2019.
The exhibition featured 46 intangible cultural heritage pieces, spanning embroidery, painting, calligraphy, paper-cutting, weaving, dyeing, ceramics, and carving. Chen's work was among the two exhibited works from Zhejiang selected for its alignment with the event's theme.
"Chang'e flying to the moon is a well-known myth in China, symbolizing women's courage to explore and shape their destinies," Chen said.
The 1.28-meter-tall piece, carved from basswood, took six months to complete from design to finished product. The most challenging parts were the intricate details of the woman's headwear and her facial expression. The artist not only had to capture the delicate beauty of Eastern women but also convey a positive and uplifting spirit.
Chen donated the artwork during the exhibition, and it will be permanently displayed at the China National Museum of Women and Children in Beijing. "Participating in such international events allows Dongyang woodcarving to reach a broader audience," he said.
