Shengzhou, Zhejiang, located in the Jiangnan water town, has long nurtured numerous scholars and poets. Among them is Lou Changwei, a master of stone carving and micro-sculpture, whose unique artistic talent and passion for stone have forged a deep bond between him and his craft.
From a young age, Lou Changwei had a deep affection for stone carving art. At that time, he could not foresee his future achievements in this field, but he always held a fervent passion in his heart. In his youth, he worked in seal carving and, by chance, met the renowned micro-sculptor Zhou Changxing. This encounter became a pivotal moment in his life. In his twenties, he became Zhou’s apprentice, starting on a journey of learning micro-sculpture that would last over forty years. The photo below was taken in 2000 shows Lou Changwei with his wife, Wang Qun, alongside Master Zhou Changxing at the West Lake Expo in Hangzhou.
After apprenticing under Zhou Changxing, Mr.Lou gradually revealed his unique talent in sculpture. He recalls, “The first time I saw Master Zhou’s works at his home, it felt like entering a whole new world; those exquisite micro-sculptures opened my eyes and captivated me. I yearned to carve such superb works.” This emotional shock ignited his passion for pursuing the pinnacle of art. To follow this belief, every month, Lou would set off from the Shengzhou bus station, taking a long-distance overnight bus at around nine o’clock at night, enduring a long journey just to reach Zhou Changxing’s home in Shanghai the next day to seek knowledge. The fatigue of the journey only intensified his desire for micro-sculpture, solidifying his determination to integrate this craft into his life and pursue the highest realm of carving art.
Over more than forty years of study and practice, Lou not only mastered the stone carving techniques of carving ancient jade items but also ancient bronze items, all presented through stone micro-sculpture. He successfully showcased the artistic beauty of ancient cultural artifacts through his micro-sculptures. Changwei Lou has devoted decades to studying micro-sculpture, becoming one of the few artisans among Zhou Changxing’s many apprentices to remain steadfast in this field. His works vividly display the ancient history and culture of China with meticulous carving techniques, allowing viewers to almost feel the wisdom and charm of ancient times through these exquisite micro-sculptures. Master Zhou praised Changwei’s works, marveling at his exceptional craftsmanship and talent.
Time is relentless; Master Zhou Changxing passed away in 2019 at the age of 88 due to illness. Now retired, Changwei Lou continues to focus on creation in his micro-sculpture studio, enjoying the process of turning stone into exquisite art. In his leisure time, he cultivates various flowers and plants. Although the current era is restless and seeks quick success, Mr. Lou remains committed to the invaluable spirit of craftsmanship.
Changwei’s works are widely recognized and enjoy a high reputation in the industry, especially his micro-sculptures that represent bronze and jade items, which are favored by collectors and art enthusiasts for their exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural heritage. Due to his outstanding skills and artistic achievements, Lou has been invited to participate in the Year of the Dragon Chinese Art Exhibition in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2024, showcasing his works alongside other selected Chinese folk artists. His exquisite micro-sculpture, “Two Deer Listening to the Scriptures,” with its ingenious carving techniques and deep cultural connotation, has amazed audiences from various countries, earning widespread acclaim. This piece showcases Changwei’s extraordinary accomplishments in micro-sculpture, allowing the world to witness the essence and charm of Chinese micro-sculpture art.
Changwei often says, “Every stone has its own soul, telling unique and profound stories through its distinctive patterns. Without carving, jade is just a common stone. An uncarved stone is merely ordinary. Transforming these stones into exquisite artworks is my deepest joy.” Driven by this profound understanding and love for stone, each of Lou’s works carries the emotional resonance he shares with the stones.
In Changwei’s studio, each stone quietly narrates its story, and he, through his skillful craftsmanship and unique creative perspective, gives them new life and meaning.