Different sizes of calabash painting works in Li Huayu's studio

By Keqiao Cheng, EDITOR

Chongqing - A running horse jumped on a square piece of linen by only a pencil.

Li Huayu, the man drawing the horse, is praised by neighbors as “Calabash Painter”. More than that, he donates the money gained by selling calabash paintings to the charity station. In 2016, Nan’an District recognized his paintings as an item of intangible cultural heritage.

Li is making a draft of his painting work

Meanwhile, calabashes in different sizes (from 5cm to 40cm tall) with varied pictures scatter across Li’s studio. For example, he draws mountains, rivers, flowers, plants, comic figures, the Chinese god of longevity and Calabash Brothers (well-known cartoon figures in China) on them.

The Calabash Brothers are a group of cartoon figures which is well-known in China.

“I started painting in 2012. At first, I painted on paper, then on fans and finally on calabashes.” Li then picked up the smallest calabash, which is not bigger than a thumb but painted with two white cranes. Also, feathers and eyes of the birds are impressively vivid.

A mini calabash painting work by Li

Li is a warm-hearted man, more than a good painter. In addition, after retiring, he became a volunteer at the Nanhu Community Library, drawing pictures and teaching painting for free. He also donates half of the money gained by selling calabash paintings to the community’s charity station. Therefore, street lamps, public facilities and pavement within the community can be soundly maintained.

Source: CQNEWS