Laizhou Jade Carving

Laizhou jade carving, also known as Yexian soapstone carving, originates from Laizhou in Shandong Province. Made from the locally sourced "Laizhou jade", this distinctive handicraft holds a prominent place in China's soapstone carving traditions. Recognized as the birthplace of Northern-style soapstone carving, Laizhou jade carving is a shining gem of Laizhou’s folk arts, boasting a long history and a rich artistic heritage.

Over generations, artisans have innovated and developed Yexian soapstone carving, resulting in six major categories, eight schools, over 120 varieties, and more than 2,000 patterns. The subjects primarily include flowers, birds, fish, insects, animals, landscapes, and human figures.

These works are exported to more than 40 countries and regions, including Western Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. In the 1970s, some pieces were presented as national gifts to foreign heads. The craft enjoys a high reputation both domestically and internationally and is widely regarded as a highly distinctive, authentic, and regional folk art.