Art by Writing and Drawing on Calabash

Calabash – Hu Lu in Chinese – is a vegetable grown on vines. Originally harvested as food, its use soon expanded to make items like musical instruments or water bottles.  And now, some people use calabash for decorating with calligraphy and art. If you want to see this quirky new form of art, visit Hu Lu Xu (Calabash of Sir Xu), in the Chaoyang district.

This shop carries a large variety of beautiful calabashes, decorated with either ancient Chinese poems or fine Chinese paintings, or both. The products come in varying shapes and sizes, to put at different parts of the home. Prices vary, pending the shape, size, and type of ornaments. A middle-size painted calabash (~5 inches), for example, prices at RMB 50.

These items make great gift offbeat gift choices. And the shop assistants speak a little English, so you can sharpen your bargaining skills here.

What I appreciate

Large selection of decorative calabash

What customers appreciate

Large selection of decorative calabash, affordable prices