The Anhui province is responsible for many unique and traditional folk arts. One of the most recognized traditional crafts of the province is Wuhu iron pictures which feature bold and astonishing images which seem to leap out from the frame.

Iron pictures are made from low carbon steel. Iron plates are forged and welded together to produce three dimensional, exquisite images. The picture is then hot etched onto a wooden frame. It combines the skills and techniques of traditional Chinese painting, folk paper cutting, sculpting and mosaic.

Images are usually of mountains, rivers, human figures, animals, plants, flowers, insects, fish and beasts. The pictures are painted black and appear life like when contrasted against a light coloured wall.

Created by a blacksmith called Tang Tianshi, the origin of iron pictures is traced back to the seventeenth century during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1662-1723) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Tang Tianshi was amazed by his artistic neighbor and decided to use the style of paintings as a basis for his iron works. The craft soon flourished with many workshops appearing within Wuhu.

Unfortunately, there are not many skilled craftsmen who specialize in iron pictures left in Wuhu. As a traditional folk art, it needs to be protected from extinction and the current generation needs to be encouraged to learn the techniques of iron painting.