A miniature master from the Hailing district of Taizhou city – located in East China's Jiangsu province – unveiled a work that contains the highest number of words he's ever inscribed onto a single item.
The extraordinary tour de force by Zhao Jun'an is a pen engraved with about 8,000 words from Deng Xiaoping's south tour talks.
A carving knife and a microscope constitute Zhao's sole means to create a miniature world. "Miniature sculptures require a high-level of micro carving and calligraphy skills, as well as proficiency in using micro carving tools," he said.
Infinite patience: Zhao Jun'an uses a microscope to create miniature marvels. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]
In his twenties, Zhao started to learn miniature carving skills from his father and he spent two hours practicing every morning, afternoon and evening.
To progress in his craft, Zhao has journeyed to many places over the years to learn from different masters and many of his works are currently held in the Taizhou Museum.
"I like to settle down and delve into some miniature sculpturing late at night. This skill tests concentration and perseverance and things can't be modified with just one cut," Zhao added.
Zhao also carves characters and landscapes on pen holders, brush holders, chopsticks and fans, in order to enable more people to be aware of miniature sculptures.
At present, there are over 10 children learning calligraphy from him and once he finds a child who is particularly good at writing and has sufficient perseverance, Zhao will teach him or her the techniques to produce miniature sculptures.