‘World on an eggshell’: disabled girl develops passion for egg carving

Chen Ying, a physically disabled girl from the city of Zigong in Sichuan province, has an unusual skill: carving delicate patterns on eggshells.

Chen first came across egg carving when she was in high school. Having been an art lover since childhood, Chen quickly became obsessed with this craft. Even after graduating from college, she still sometimes locks herself in a room to immerse herself in carving.

“I find it amazing that something as small as an eggshell can display the whole world,” Chen explained. She says the most crucial factor for egg carving is strength control, as eggshells are quite fragile.

Most of her works are sold through social media. Chen finds it gratifying that she has met other eggshell artists from across the country through these networks. In March, she was invited to an art gallery in Shanghai. A company in Zigong is interested in assembling a collection of egg carvings for an exhibition.

“No matter how hard it is, I will hold on to my passion and dream,” Chen said. She hopes to add more local elements to her work as she carries forward the art of egg carving.