Liuyang specialty: Liuyang chrysanthemum stone carving

Liuyang chrysanthemum stone carving has had a long history. Chrysanthemum stones are a special product in the upper reaches of the Liuyang River in the Bibo Pond near Yonghe town of the Liuyang county.

Liuyang chrysanthemum stone carving is reputed as "the best in the world". Different from other stones, Liuyang chrysanthemum stones look gray or ash black with naturally generated chrysanthemum-shaped white patterns on the surface.

The patterns look pure white, sparkling and crystal-clear. According to the surveys of geologists, Liuyang chrysanthemum stones contain calcium carbonate aggregates with core flint structures. The chrysanthemum's calyx is the hard silicon flint and the petals are radiating crystal aggregates filled by calcium carbonates along limestone cracks.

Liuyang chrysanthemum stone carving crafts have developed from relief and semi-relief projects to the current full relief, empty carving and open work carving. The stone carving works have changed from the original flat surface plant leaves, landscapes and flowers to ancient and modern figures, birds and animals. The Plum blossoms, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum vase won a gold medal at the Panama International Expo.

Carving artists take advantage of the features of the chrysanthemum stones and carve out relief chrysanthemums meticulously with petals and leaves. In recent years, the artists have made breakthroughs and carved solid multi-layer flowers and figures. They have carved legendary stories, such as "Huangchao Chants Chrysanthemums" and "Heavenly Maids Scattering Blossoms". Many Liuyang chrysanthemum stone carvings have won medals at the Panama World Expo due to its exquisite craftsmanship and ingenious conception.