The two massive pyrography works, “Prosperous Chang'an” and “Light of the Silk Road”, exhibited at the opening of the Xi'an National Library of Editions, cover a total area of 40 square meters. They are currently the world’s largest wooden pyrography works and the richest in cultural content. Created by artist Li Cailan and her team over a period of six months, they have become iconic artistic landmarks within the museum.

Masterpieces of Pyrography at the Xi'an National Library
Key Works and Creative Background: On July 30, 2022, the Xi’an National Version Library officially opened. Located in Reader Service Hall No. 12, the two pyrography works, “Prosperous Chang’an” and “Light of the Silk Road”, use the wood-on-wood pyrography technique to depict the prosperity of the ancient capital Chang’an and the historical highlights of the Silk Road. Each piece measures approximately 20 square meters and incorporates cultural elements from the Han and Tang dynasties. The works took over half a year to complete. Artist Li Cailan, with 16 years of experience in pyrography, led a team that precisely controlled temperature and pressure to burn deep and shallow marks into the wood panels, faithfully recreating Xi’an’s historical landscape and the spirit of the Silk Road. As the “face” of the Xi’an branch, these works not only enrich the Art and Archives Museum with artistic depth but also bring the intangible cultural heritage of pyrography into the public eye.

Artistic Value and Distinctive Features: These two iron-branded paintings showcase cultural diversity through grand narrative structures—“Prosperous Chang’an” focuses on everyday life and architectural scenes of the Tang Dynasty, while “Light of the Silk Road” depicts caravans traveling back and forth and the fusion of civilizations. Through the unique textural quality and tonal gradations of the branding iron, the works combine the poetic atmosphere of traditional ink-and-wash painting with modern visual impact. Their reputation as “world-class” stems from their total area of 40 square meters, the dense array of cultural symbols (such as figures, architecture, and natural landscapes), and the exceptional level of detail rarely seen in wood-burning art, making them a must-see attraction for visitors.