A Life Carved in Bamboo: The Art of Jin Xiya Jin Xiya, also known as Jin Shaofang (1890-1979), stands as a pivotal figure in 20th-century Chinese bamboo carving. Born into an esteemed family in Nanxun, Zhejiang Province, his life was one of fascinating duality – a trained civil and bridge engineer who found his true calling not in constructing physical structures, but in meticulously crafting delicate worlds within the resilient stalks of bamboo. This unique background profoundly shaped his artistic vision, imbuing his work with both technical precision and a deep appreciation for natural fo…