Execution Date :  1962 

Author :  Yang Shihui 

Author Synopsis : 
Yang Shihui was born into a craft family in Beijing, and at the age of 12began to learn ivory-carving technique from his granduncle. Combining the rigorous guidance of teachers with his own dedication, he gained a good command of traditional carving techniques, launching his career early. In 1942, Yang created his masterpiece "Grasshopper and Cabbage," which abounds with life, and caused a stir in ivory-carving circles.

After the founding of New China, Yang obtained greater opportunities for creating elegant work. He also blazed new trails in applying the dentist`s drill to ivory carving. Yang has gathered together his rich practical experiences and established the Yang School style, He is inventive in creating works with different themes, ranging from figurines, flowers, grasses, insects, mountains, rivers and pagodas to pavilions, with his specialty being figurines. His works are famous for their delicate touch, smooth lines, vivid images, and authenticity.

Yang won accolades from Chairman Mao for his works, and met party and State leaders in January 1956, including Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai and Dong Biwu.

His work "Longevity Hill" was presented as a gift from the Chinese government to the president of the Democratic Republic of Germany in 1952. His work "Beihai Park" was presented as a gift from Chairman Mao Zedong to the former Soviet Union in 1958.  And his work "Wang Zhaojun" was retained by the Ministry of Light Industry as an outstanding piece of arts and crafts in 1958.