I found an article by Christopher Jobson on Colossal regarding traditional Chinese Dongyang Wood Carving that blew me away.

yangkai 2013
“With origins that date back as far as the Tang Dynasty (around the year ~700), the Chinese craft of Dongyang wood carving is regarded by many to be one of the most elegant forms of relief carving in the world. The craft is still practiced in a few workshops in the region of Dongyang, China, and most commonly appears as ornate decoration on ‘everyday’ objects such as cases, cabinets, stools, desks and tables.”

yangkai 2013

yangkai 2013

Green Lake Hotel, Kunming

Green Lake Hotel, Kunming

Green Lake Hotel, Kunming

Leifeng Pagoda / Photo Courtesy Michael Lai

Leifeng Pagoda / Photo Courtesy Michael Lai