Specialist in Brick Carving

The year 1985 saw another turn of events for Fang. That year, the Huizhou Classical Landscape Architecture Company was recruiting carvers. Fang, though at 36 years old had exceeded the maximum recruiting age, went for an interview and took a portfolio of his wood and bamboo carvings. He was admitted for his superior skills.

The newly-established company had gathered a group of apprentices, most of whom were carpenters, stonemasons and bricklayers. With no practical experience, Fang had to study brick carving, a relatively unpopular profession. “There was no brick carver in the company,” he recalled, “I didn’t really know what brick carving was.”

Brick carving was mostly used to embellish ancient constructions but with the rise of modern architecture it gradually disappeared. Some old craftsmen had mastered the traditional skills, and Fang’s task was to seek them out and learn from them.

While working at the company, Fang built a relationship with many carvers and learned a lot from them. “I have no master; everyone is my teacher,” he said. “I learned from anyone who knew more than me, so everyone liked to talk with me, and they all helped my career a great deal.”

Not long after he had started working in the company, Fang was given a fantastic opportunity. The company was commissioned to restore the brick arch of the Jingjue Temple in Nanjing. Fang says this arch officially started his career. “At the beginning, it was so difficult – I didn’t even know what tools to use, or how to use them. I had to experiment.” Fang asked for help from senior craftsmen and also researched the patterns of old houses and studied the style of brick carving used in the original structure. The restoration project was a huge success, and Fang found great pleasure in it. “Now, I immerse myself in the maintenance of old constructions, and I love the profession even more,” he said. “The classical works made hundreds of years ago are still incredibly impressive.”

Soon Fang surpassed himself. He may not have been the most talented worker in the company, but he was the most diligent one.

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