Intricate pictures carved on porcelain

Zhang thinks about the next step that he will work on a porcelain plate at his studio in Changchun, Jilin province, May 8, 2016. [Photo/IC]

Zhang Shusong is a craftsman who carves pictures on porcelain in Changchun city, Northeast China's Jilin province.

Because he was interested in carving, he resigned from his well-paid job in an auto factory to start a studio selling carved porcelain made by himself. Now, one of his pieces can sell for 5,000 yuan ($767) to 6,000 yuan.

From a beginner to a veteran, the artist overcame all kinds of difficulties.

According to Zhang, a carved porcelain plate needs more than ten days' work with hundreds of millions of strokes carved by his hands.

The skill to carve a figure's hair or animal's fur is exacting. But Zhang can work it well. He said he has carved a tiger whose every strand of fur could be counted on a porcelain plate.

It is not easy for engravers to etch out their pictures because they risk breaking the porcelain as they carve, so it requires a delicate hand, the man added.