If you ever find yourself in Tianjin, China, make time to spend at the merchant-filled “Ancient Culture Street” called Guwenhua Jie. Among the street snacks and the calligraphy, there are some high quality carvers and other artists.

Near the north end on the main drag, about 4-5 shops back and to the west, there is a terrific stone artist whose surname is Sheng. He does some great work in verigated stone.

Here he is, getting ready to engrave his signature into that same piece, next to an extremely cool incense burner/sculpture he did (see how the smoke comes out from the dragon’s mouth).