The China Gallery of Olympic Champions within the Wu Zixiong Glass Art Museum features glass-engraved portraits of Chinese Olympic champions. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

At the Wu Zixiong Glass Art Museum in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Aug 5, designers searched for photos of the most emblematic moments of Chinese champions at the Paris Olympics.

"After the end of the Games, we will begin to carve the portraits of champions on glass," said Sun Liang, an inheritor of Taizhou glass engraving at the museum.

Taizhou glass engraving technique is an intangible cultural heritage of Zhejiang, originating in the late Qing Dynasty (1840-1912). Wu Zixiong was devoted to the art form, creating his masterful style and founding the glass art museum.

Sun's master, Wu Gang, who inherited both the craft of Wu family glass art as well as directorship of the museum from his father, went on to pioneer the creation of glass portraits. "The first priority is to preserve the intangible cultural heritage. Once you master the skills, you must innovate," said Wu.

It was Wu's global travels that inspired him to infuse Western crystal portrait craftsmanship with traditional glass engraving techniques to produce exquisite glass portraits.

In 2008, the China Gallery of Olympic Champions was established within the Glass Art Museum, featuring glass-engraved portraits of Chinese Olympic champions. Many customers choose to order their customized glass portraits.

"Taizhou glass engraving originates from folk traditions. To achieve enduring vitality, the artworks need to be down-to-earth and accessible to the masses," said Wu.

In 2015, the Wu Zixiong Glass Art Museum was awarded as a national 3A-level tourist attraction. "During the peak tourist seasons each year, many visitors come to experience glass engraving," Sun said. Near the experience area is a souvenir shop, where tourists can purchase works they are interested in.