Factory workers, Shenzhen, 1996

滴水兽 “drip beasts” are a part of the traditional Minnan architecture in southern Fujian and eastern Guangdong provinces. They were originally rain leaks used to replace the rainwater drainage system. The beasts are carved as animals, Chinese mythological creatures, and plants/flowers.

Meanings: goldfish represents surplus every year, qilin represents delivering children, mandarin ducks represent happiness, tigers represent bravery and fearlessness, elephants represent renewal of all things, and various plants and flowers also carry different meanings.

Guangzhou ivory carving 广州象牙雕刻 from Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Qing Dynasty.

Guangdong ivory carving started in the Han Dynasty when China still had its own species of elephant (before 100 BC). Ivory products are also found in the tombs of the local Nanyue Kingdom.

Ivory carving became prosperous in the Ming and Qing dynasties that Cantonese craftsmen were recruited to Beijing to serve the imperial family. Developing large models of houses and other large and showy pieces.

This art is still somewhat popular in the region today, but the ivory has been replaced by contemporary artists with other materials such as animals bones, due to ivory trade becoming illegal.

Chinese humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis chinensis

Guangzhou 2026 (2) (3) (4) by Eugenia

Via Flickr: