Kang Junliang creates a bone carving. [Photo/Juungar Banner Release]

Kang Junliang, a bone carving artisan from Juungar Banner, Ordos, has dedicated over two decades of his life to the intricate craft of bone carving. Using bones as his canvas, Kang creates vivid depictions that enrich his life while preserving an ancient art form.

At 40, Kang works in the restaurant industry, but bone carving remains his preferred way to unwind during his free time. "I started bone carving around the age of 6," he recalled.

Bone carving is a traditional craft that involves transforming animal bones, such as those from cattle and sheep, into intricate artworks.

The process requires more than 20 steps, including degreasing, drying, material selection, design, cutting, polishing, chemical treatment, sketching, carving and assembly. Kang's studio showcases a variety of recent creations, including horizontal, vertical and hollowed-out pieces.

A bone carving work by Kang Junliang. [Photo/Juungar Banner Release]

Kang completed his first piece at the age of 17, carving a "Pine and Crane Longevity" design on a cow rib.

Since then, he has remained committed to the craft, producing hundreds of pieces inspired by traditional Chinese motifs, such as dragons, phoenixes, mythical creatures, and symbols of beauty like flowers and birds.

Looking to the future, Kang hopes to miniaturize his bone carvings, creating wearable art such as rings and thumb rings to integrate this unique craft into everyday life. "I want more people to discover the charm of bone carving," he said.