Abstract

This study adopts a qualitative research approach to explore how Wuyuan woodcarving functions as a form of informal cultural education through which self-identity is learned and constructed. Focusing on both artistic expression and cultural meaning, the research draws on fieldwork conducted in Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province, incorporating on-site observation, in-depth interviews, and informal conversations with artisans, local residents, and scholars, complemented by relevant literature analysis. The findings indicate that Wuyuan woodcarving possesses distinctive aesthetic characteristics, including symbolic motifs, refined line work, and integrated architectural elements, which differentiate it from other regional woodcarving traditions and contribute to a recognizable artistic identity. At the cultural level, the development and transmission of Wuyuan woodcarving have been shaped by the historical influence of Huizhou merchants, the ethical framework of Confucian thought, and long-standing family-based apprenticeship practices, enabling cultural values and social meanings to be conveyed across generations. By examining Wuyuan woodcarving as a learning process embedded in everyday life rather than solely as an artistic product, this study offers a new perspective on the relationship between traditional art and self-identity formation. The research contributes to discussions in education and learning by highlighting the pedagogical value of traditional artistic practices in sustaining cultural identity and supporting heritage preservation in contemporary society.

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