No two tree roots have the same shape in the world. Due to different gnarls and grains, every root, and therefore every root sculpture, is unique and impossible to replicate.

The beauty of root sculptures also lies in its imperfections. Withering and fading away, dead roots always impress people with imperfection. By virtue of artists' imagination and creation, imperfect roots can be sculptured into beautiful artifacts.

How to make a root sculpture?

As a rule, roots selected for sculpture are from trees which are hard in texture and thin in bark, such as the elm and the azalea among others, because they will not shrink or warp with time.

The artist digs up the roots at the juncture of fall and winter and, dictated by their natural shapes, conceives of the objects to be sculpted, such as a preying lion, galloping horse, fighting bull, or dancing girls.

After being carved into the desired shapes, they receive a thin coat of Chinese wax, which gives them a nice luster without concealing the natural veins of the roots.

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