The Chen Jiwu Chrysanthemum Stone Museum, Liuyang

The Chen Jiwu Chrysanthemum Stone Museum, Liuyang

Chrysanthemum Stones – which conceal delicate filigree flower patterns are exceedingly rare – formed of rhombic crystals of Aluminium Silicate under high pressure and eons of time. Some of the finest Chrysanthemum stones in the world come from the rivers around Liuyang City. Chinese artists have been carving them into beautiful sculptures for over two hundred years, and the current generation is lucky to have Chen Jiwu as one of the greatest ever Chrysanthemum Stone artists. Before he turned his masterful hand to carving, Chen was a painter. And you can see it in his extraordinary bas reliefs – which look like canvases. Many of his themes are traditional figures – drawn from Chinese mythology and Buddhist scripture but they display a striking contemporary expressiveness. Walking around his gallery – in the heart of Liuyang City is a delight and buying one of his pieces a sure investment. Chen is a national level artist – a title reserved for a special few.