Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rich tradition and contemporary innovation of shell carving art in the Beibu Gulf region, emphasizing its cultural significance and the efforts of artisans to preserve and evolve this craft [1][3]. Group 1: Historical Context - Shell carving, a craft with a history of over a thousand years, is considered a vital part of marine art, with origins tracing back to the Paleolithic era when shells were used for decoration [1]. - The story of Li Chengshi, a Chinese arts and crafts master, illustrates the deep connection between the craft and the region, as he transformed ordinary shells into exquisite art pieces [1][2]. Group 2: Contemporary Developments - The charm of shell carving is increasingly recognized, with a new generation of artisans learning from experienced craftsmen, leading to innovative developments in the field [3]. - In 2021, Beihai shell carving was included in the national intangible cultural heritage representative project list, marking a significant recognition of its cultural value [3]. Group 3: Artistic Expression and Themes - Artworks created by local artisans resonate with contemporary themes such as the Maritime Silk Road and the centenary of the Communist Party of China, showcasing the region's vastness and inclusivity [3]. - The craftsmanship of shell carving has garnered national awards, establishing Beihai shell carving as a unique art form along the coastal regions of China [3]. Group 4: Future Aspirations - Artisans express a strong desire to depict monumental projects like the Pinglu Canal through their work, aiming to capture the grandeur of these developments in shell carvings [4].

Core Perspective - The article highlights the significance of Beihai shell carving as a national intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing its historical roots in the Maritime Silk Road and its evolution from traditional craftsmanship to modern artistic expression [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Maritime Silk Road, starting from the Tang and Song dynasties, facilitated the exchange of exotic treasures and led to the development of the Ming Dynasty's "Babaohuan" technique, merging foreign influences with traditional Chinese craftsmanship [2]. - Beihai shell carving was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage representative project in 2021, showcasing its cultural importance [2]. Group 2: Craftsmanship and Techniques - The process of creating a shell carving involves multiple steps, including cleaning, polishing, carving, and assembling, with some pieces requiring up to two tons of raw materials and hundreds of different shell types [15]. - The technique of "thin carving" demands precision, with shells being polished to a translucency of 0.1 millimeters, highlighting the skill and endurance of artisans [15]. Group 3: Revival and Innovation - In the 1990s, Beihai shell carving faced a decline, but efforts by artisans like Lin Xiong revived the craft by recalling experienced artisans and exploring new artistic directions [6][19]. - Lin Xiong's approach to using natural shell colors and textures has been described as a revolution in Chinese shell carving, leading to the establishment of a materials warehouse with thousands of shell types [9][11]. Group 4: Education and Modernization - Educational institutions like Guilin University of Electronic Technology and Beihai Vocational School have introduced courses on shell carving, fostering a new generation of artisans and creative professionals [22]. - The integration of traditional patterns into modern life has led to a resurgence of interest in shell carving, with various companies and workshops in Beihai producing both artistic and practical items [26].