Painted gourds are created in Shizuishan, Ningxia. [Photo provided to seeningxia.com]
Shizuishan, Ningxia, is home to a unique artform in which pyrography is used to create lifelike depictions of people, landscapes, flowers, and birds on the surface of gourds. Such works are not only stunning to look at, but also a source of economic empowerment for the local community.
"A gourd in the house brings fortune and happiness. My family and I have always had gourds in our yard, symbolizing good luck. We have a tradition of gourd carving and pyrography, which I've loved from a young age," said Tao Ruizhen, a practitioner of the Ningxia intangible cultural heritage.
Tao added that the craft not only offers her a creative outlet, but also serves as a source of income. It was for this reason that she started encouraging women in her village to grow and paint gourds together.
Tao established a gourd planting cooperative, creating an 80-mu (5.33 hectares) gourd base that involves over 280 local residents in the cultivation process. This initiative has generated an output value exceeding 2 million yuan ($284,755.90), with each participating household seeing an income increase of more than 20,000 yuan per year.
"I used to make a living by carving seals. After meeting Tao and learning about gourd carving and pyrography, I successfully changed my career and enriched my life. Through continuous learning and practice, I not only improved the quality and quantity of my products but also significantly increased my income," said Guo Huiling, a laid-off worker in the village.
Tao also regularly conducts training in gourd pyrography, gourd carving, and hand-cut paper art for people with disabilities, displaced farmers, laid-off workers, and various ethnic minority groups.