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Asian Games athletes are carved on eggshells. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

In the home of Li Xiaohe, a Shaoxing folk artist skilled in the art of egg carving, his latest creations are on proud display, paying homage to the forthcoming Asian Games, local media reported on Aug 22.

Li's artistic journey has a history of over two decades. In 2006, his micro-sculpture masterpiece Eighteen Arhats earned a place in the Collection of 100 Folk Artworks by Chinese Disabled Artists. Li held his first solo exhibition in 2021.

As the Asian Games draw near, Li scoured the internet and bookstores to glean the essence of athletes' personas. Yet, his creative sanctuary lay upon paper, where countless lines and shapes were etched, each stroke honing his prowess.

The transition from paper to the curved canvas of eggshells proved a transcendent task. Eggs, with their curvature, present an entirely different realm from the two-dimensional paper. To capture athletes in their dynamic glory, an intricate interplay of perspective was required.

In the early days of June, the first image of a table tennis athlete emerged.

Under Li's meticulous touch, athletes emerged from their calcified confines. High jumps, hurdles, table tennis, soccer, basketball, weightlifting, swimming, tennis, running, and gymnastics -- each discipline etched in exquisite detail.

Li is physically challenged, with his legs marred by disability. Beyond his passion for egg art, he revels in table tennis and has triumphed multiple times in regional competitions.