An art exhibition showcasing classic boxwood carving has opened at the Tou-Se-We Museum in Xuhui District, marking the 100th birth anniversary of Xu Baoqing, the founding master of Shanghai-style boxwood carving, a national intangible cultural heritage item.

Launched on October 20, the "Elegance of Wood — Centennial Exhibition of Xu Baoqing's Boxwood Carving Masterpieces" celebrates Xu's artistic legacy, displays the unique charm of Shanghai-style boxwood carving, and carries forward the time-honored roots of local culture.

Listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008, boxwood carving gained distinctive local characteristics thanks to Xu's decades-long innovation.

Born in 1926, Xu studied craftsmanship at the Tou-Se-We Orphanage Craft Institute from an early age. Over more than 20 years of rigorous training, he mastered Western painting and traditional Chinese carving techniques. By integrating Eastern and Western artistic strengths, he established an innovative Sino-Western artistic system for Shanghai-style boxwood carving, earning his reputation as a pioneering master of the craft.

With a professional career spanning about 70 years, Xu created vivid, life-centered works featuring playful children, ordinary labor scenes and classic historical stories. His down-to-earth, lively artistic style left precious treasures for the development of Shanghai arts and crafts.

As the cradle of modern Shanghai craft culture, the museum witnesses the origin of Xu's artistic journey.

The exhibition reviews his artistic growth from youthful apprenticeship to establishing an exclusive school of carving art, highlighting Xuhui's status as the birthplace of Shanghai-style culture.

The exhibition presents 37 sets of fine exhibits, including museum collections, private artworks, manuscripts and old photos provided by Xu's daughter.

Featured masterpieces include folk-themed creations such as Pulling Radishes and Naughty Kids, as well as realistic works depicting traditional labor scenes. Vintage carving tools, daily necessities and personal belongings used by the late master are also on public display.

Centered on alley childhood scenes and ordinary urban life, the exhibition demonstrates Xu's signature Sino-Western aesthetic and the unique artistic temperament of Shanghai-style boxwood carving, absorbing Western techniques while highlighting traditional Chinese charm and vivid artistic expression.

Beyond displays, a series of activities including intangible heritage lectures and hands-on carving workshops will be held.

Admission to the exhibition is free and requires no reservation. The museum opens from 9am to 4:30pm between Tuesday and Sunday.