Nanyang Pyrography Chopsticks

Nanyang pyrography chopsticks are an important form of Nanyang pyrography, a national-level intangible cultural heritage also known as “branded painting,” “scorched painting,” or “fire-brush painting.” The art was established in 1877 by Xingsan Zhao of Nanyang. The chopsticks are made from holly medicinal wood — a fine, cool-natured timber that is naturally white and turns an ivory-yellow after being steeped in sesame oil, releasing a subtle fragrance. Artisans hand-burn elegant motifs of flowers, birds, figures, and landscapes onto the flat faces of the square-headed chopsticks, producing pieces of considerable artistic and collectible value.