Huang Shou-kun, a lacquer artist from Taiwan, has become a recognized inheritor of the intangible Chinese cultural heritage in Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Inspired by an ethnic drinking custom in Taiwan that celebrates unity through shared drinking vessels, Huang collaborated with a friend to create lianbei, a lacquer-embellished wooden sculpture featuring two cups carved from opposite ends of a single piece of wood. The design requires two people to drink simultaneously, symbolizing eternal friendship.

His friend from Quanzhou, Fujian province carves the wood, and Huang applies intricate lacquer designs, a gesture that he says represents the shared heritage and enduring friendship between Fujian and Taiwan.