Carving a hidden gem of heritage

How much impact can a single elective course have? For Li Xiaofang, one made a great impact on her entire career.

Born in 1994 in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Li was a junior studying art design at Inner Mongolia University when she enrolled in a class on traditional ethnic Mongolian leather carving, a national intangible cultural heritage, a decision that changed her life. After graduating, she founded her studio and devoted herself to the craft ever since.

Today, her studio Sange Xiangpijiang (Three Fragrant Leather Artisans) is nestled on Saishang Old Street in Hohhot and has become a must-visit tourist destination. This year, she launched her own brand Naijili, which means "a gift from a friend" in Mongolian.

"I hope what people take home is a gift from a friend," she says.

Blending tradition with modern appeal, Li is infusing leather carving with elements of Chinese culture and contemporary design. From bamboo-inspired necklaces to handbags that combine handweaving with intricate carvings, such as playful cats and dogs, she continues to explore new possibilities for the ancient craft, one piece at a time.

Down to the details

Growing up, Li had little exposure to leather carving, despite her ethnic Mongolian heritage. It wasn't until college that she discovered the craft. In class, she was struck by the intricate beauty of leather art.

Leather carving is an intricate process that requires dozens of steps from selecting leather and sketching patterns to carving, hammering, and coloring. Each detail contributes to the raised, textured designs that define the craft.

With a background in fine arts, Li started from scratch, mastering each technique step by step. After the semester ended, she continued refining her skills in her spare time. What began as small projects like wallets and belts quickly gained traction as friends and acquaintances took notice. Orders soon followed.

Encouraged by the demand, Li took a leap of faith. After graduating in 2016, she and a classmate who is now her husband, opened a leather carving studio in Hohhot.