The myths carved into China's most sacred wood

We source hand-carved statues from workshops across China,and write about the history and meaning behind each piece.

Chinese Mythology

Pixiu, Guan Yu, Nezha, Sun Wukong, Mazu, and other legendary figures from Chinese history and folklore.

Shakyamuni, Guanyin, Ksitigarbha, Maitreya, and other figures from Chinese Buddhist tradition.

The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, their meanings, personality traits, and year cycles.

Tea pets, tea ceremony accessories, and the tradition of keeping carved companions on your tea tray.

In-depth articles on the history, meaning, and proper care of each figure.

May 29, 2026

Buyers ask me this more than almost anything else: “I want something for wealth — should I get a Money Frog or a Pixiu?” The ...

May 21, 2026

The first time I held a Guan Gong carving, I ran my thumb along the blade. Not the face, not the robe — the blade. ...

April 11, 2026

The first time we encountered a pixiu statue up close was in a small carving workshop. The carver placed it in our hands without a ...