A heritage that is carved in stone

In September 2016, 36 sets of portrait seals, designed and produced by the chicken-blood stone museum, were given as gifts to guests who attended the 11th G20 Summit held in Hangzhou.

"I am a craftsman, so the content and themes chosen for my carvings keep up with the times, representing the style of the era," Qian Gaochao says.

"I'm not only doing carving work, but also recording the development and changes of our society, and remembering the era through the medium of my carvings."

Qian Gaochao has created fascinating works, many of which are related to important events in Chinese history, including the Zunyi Conference held in Guizhou province in January 1935. He has also done work to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and to mark the Site of the First National Congress of the CPC.

Qian Gaochao has also carved portraits of famous people who have made significant contributions to the country, including the 10 marshals and 10 generals, for their roles in the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1, 1949.