On the eve of Macao's return in 1999, the master sculptor Gu Songlin went to Macao for inspiration to create the sculpture "Lotus of Prosperity" prese[Expand All]
On the eve of Macao's return in 1999, the master sculptor Gu Songlin went to Macao for inspiration to create the sculpture "Lotus of Prosperity" presented by the central government to the Macao Special Administrative Region. He became close friends with Liao Jichang, the owner of Liao Ji Woodcarving Shop. Ten years later, "Woodcarving - Statue Carving" became the first project in Macao to be honored with the title of "National Intangible Cultural Heritage". Gu Songlin and Liao Jichang agreed that on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return, Gu Songlin would display Liao Jichang's works at his sculpture exhibition, allowing more people to understand the cultural inheritance of Macao demonstrated by this craft with the strongest sense of national cultural identity. Liao Zihao, the son of Liao Jichang, was determined to reverse the poor business situation of his woodcarving shop. For a deal, he even approached Master Xu, his disciple who had been expelled from the school by his father in the past, and asked him to make a replica of the deity statue. Liao Jichang, in a fit of rage, decided to close the door and seal his sword. Under the mediation of Gu Songlin and his daughter Gu Xiaojie, Liao Jichang, his apprentice and son put aside their past grievances and made up as before. The two families jointly celebrated the grand ceremony of the return in Macao.[Collapse]
