Introduction to the work:
In China, stone inscription has a long history and rich heritages. However, stone inscription handicraftsmen were looked upon for a long time. As more and more sculptors returned back from overseas, this discrimination has gradually been eliminated. In 1950s and 1960s, there were a few people carved stones directly due to the limitation, but Cao Chong’eng started to carve stone in 1960s. He was born in 1933 in Linshan of Guangxi province, the professor ofSculpture department of Guangzhou Arts School. In his early age, he graduated from Zhongnan Arts School and Central Academy of Fine Art,Sculpture department. "Status of Xiang Xiuli" is one of his magnum opus. He successfully molded the hero image of Xiang Xiuli who sacrificed her life in fire fighting by the contrast of the white marble with the rough lines of hair and clothes.