Ye Xiaopeng makes a boxwood carving product. Photo: Courtesy of Ye Xiaopeng

As the Chinese AAA game Black Myth: Wukong gains widespread popularity, its unique artistic style and profound cultural depth have invigorated the cultural and creative market. 

A representative inheritor of the Chinese intangible cultural heritage of boxwood carving, Ye Xiaopeng's original boxwood carving of Sun Wukong, or Wukong, also known as the Monkey King become highly sought after.

Originating in East China's Zhejiang Province, the craft of boxwood carving uses boxwood, known for its tough, smooth texture, fine grain, and yellow hue reminiscent of ivory. Over time, the wood darkens, acquiring a unique and rustic charm.

"Boxwood grows slowly, and the material is limited. The manual carving process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Initially, I just wanted to showcase a few works featuring China's superhero, Sun Wukong. But after the game became a hit, these works were snapped up in an instant," Ye told the Global Times.

When discussing the boxwood carving's rise in popularity, Ye believes that the integration of traditional craftsmanship with digital technology has drawn more young people to the practice, enabling a "seamless connection" between intangible cultural heritage and modern aesthetics. This fusion breathes new life into traditional crafts, making them trendy.

A Ye Xiaopeng's boxwood carving work of the Monkey King Photo: Courtesy of Ye Xiaopeng

Contemporary feel

"Boxwood carving can draw inspiration from modern media like Black Myth: Wukong. Artisans should seize the opportunity to create works that retain their cultural essence while resonating with contemporary tastes," Ye said. "When creating the Monkey King, I focused on expressing his inner spirit and contemporary significance through details. For example, the Monkey King wears a purple-gold crown and armor, exuding a mighty presence that symbolizes a spirit of perseverance and bravery."

Ye explained that this piece combines traditional boxwood carving techniques such as clay modeling, ­initial shaping, and final detailing, while also incorporating modern elements like gilding the ends of the Golden Cudgel, Wukong's magical weapon, enhancing the work's beauty and value. This blend not only preserves the essence of traditional craftsmanship but also gives the piece a contemporary feel.

"As inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, we are responsible for helping more people understand and appreciate traditional art. I strive to promote boxwood carving, bringing it to life in modern society," Ye said.

"In contemporary society, the role of traditional craftsmanship is not only to preserve heritage but also to innovate. We must innovate and seek ways to collaborate with the industry, creating works that the public loves, accepts, and resonates with," he noted.

To appeal to younger audiences, Ye recently designed the "Dragon Egg Baby," which features a moveable "lucky bead," with monthly sales exceeding 5,000 units. A symbol of literary achievement, the "Wenchang Star," launched during the high school and college entrance exam season, and followed current trends. 

When the Chinese animated film I Am What I Am was released in Japan in 2023, Ye quickly designed and crafted a boxwood carving of a Chinese lion. To add a playful touch, the lion was fitted with a hanging string and bells, making it suitable both as a handheld toy and as a wearable accessory.

In Chinese culture, the lion traditionally symbolizes auspiciousness and good fortune. The sales team also created slogans that appeal to young people, such as "When the bell rings, wealth comes your way," helping the lion carving to become a hit, with sales reaching 60,000 units in a single month.

A Ye Xiaopeng's boxwood carving work of the Monkey King Photo: Courtesy of Ye Xiaopeng

Pulse of times 

"Traditional craftsmanship plays a crucial role in continuing culture in contemporary society," Ye told the Global Times. "Some people might associate boxwood carvings with being outdated or unfashionable," Ye noted. "While figurines are popular among young people, boxwood carvings can also keep up with trends."

It is said that the first generation of Ye family boxwood carvers was born in a rural area. As a child, he encountered a statue sculptor who came to the village to make Buddha statues. Impressed by the boy's talent, the sculptor took him on as an apprentice, setting him on the path of professional boxwood carving. 

"I've always believed that traditional handicrafts are not meant to be appreciated in isolation; they need to resonate with the times and meet modern needs," Ye said.

As a professor, Ye encourages his students to create freely in their work, and has brought together a team of young teachers with study backgrounds in countries like Italy, Finland, and Japan. Additionally, he has collaborated with Chinese business associations in over 10 countries, including Italy, France, and Spain, to establish the Maritime Silk Road Cultural and Creative Industry Institute.

"I strive to balance preservation and innovation through a young design team, combined with the digital economy, and new media promotion," Ye said. 

"It is undeniable that the rapid dissemination of digital products has accelerated the internationalization of our traditional culture. If we can feel the pulse of the times and ride the wave of digitalization, traditional handicrafts can still achieve revival under new historical conditions."