Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Tang Yong) news: Meng Lulu, a passionate and dedicated craftswoman in Urumqi, is a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage craft of leather carving.

Photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows Meng Lulu cuts leather in her leather carving studio.

On March 17, 2025, having just returned from the 7th Beijing International Art Biennale, Meng immediately immersed herself in her leather carving studio. She meticulously organized the tools for teaching and creating leather carvings, preparing to travel to Habahe County to train local herders. Growing up in Xinjiang, Meng developed a strong artistic foundation through her childhood studies in traditional Chinese painting and her later design education at university, which paved the way for her leather carving creations.

Photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows Meng Lulu punches holes in leather in her leather carving studio.

Meng's passion for leather carving art stems from her childhood travels across Xinjiang with her father. The leather items used in the daily lives of herders, such as saddles, whips, leather buckets, and boots, fascinated her like a magnet.

After graduating from university, despite the prospect of a promising career, Meng resolutely chose to pursue her dream of leather carving art and embarked on a journey to Inner Mongolia to learn the craft. There, she apprenticed under a master of leather carving art, beginning her diligent and dedicated training. With countless trials and tribulations, she gradually transformed from a novice leather carver into a skilled master of the craft day after day, year after year.

Photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows Meng Lulu polishes her leather carving artwork titled "Armor" in her leather carving studio.

Photo shows Meng Lulu’s leather carving artwork titled "Mother."

Meng’s leather carving works are truly unique, featuring elements of Xinjiang and skillfully blending traditional craftsmanship with ethnic culture. Her works often incorporate iconic Xinjiang-style elements such as snow leopards, almond patterns, eagles, and snow-capped mountains. Under her carving knife, these elements seem to come to life, vivid and dynamic, infusing her leather carvings with a distinctive charm.

Her works have gained considerable acclaim, frequently appearing at art exhibitions in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, showcasing the unique allure of Xinjiang’s leather carving art. Beyond this, her exceptional skills have earned her numerous accolades in various competitions. For instance, she won third prize at the International Leather Carving Competition in Shenzhen and claimed the gold medal at the national “Golden Phoenix” craft art competition.

Photo taken on January 1, 2024 shows Meng Lulu voluntarily trains local herders in Saerbulake Town, Habahe County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo offered by Meng Lulu)

Meng has also actively engaged in public welfare initiatives, becoming an outstanding volunteer in the inheritance and innovation of intangible cultural heritage. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to hands-on training, generously sharing her leather carving skills with local herders. At the same time, she has actively participated in public welfare activities such as biodiversity conservation, leading local herders and farmers to establish an eco-friendly product brand. Additionally, she has created a series of works centered on the theme of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in Xinjiang.

Photo taken on January 12, 2024 shows herdsmen in Saerbulake Town, Habahe County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, showcase the leather buckets they made. (Photo offered by Meng Lulu)

As of now, Meng has trained over 300 leather carving apprentices inheriting this craft. She expressed her hopes with great anticipation, "I wish to continue preserving and promoting the art of leather carving, allowing more people to understand and fall in love with this ancient and beautiful craft." Through her actions, Meng has demonstrated the modern value of traditional craftsmanship.

Photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows Meng Lulu organizes the tools for leather carving in her leather carving studio.

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