Two inset carvings of bamboo set in bluestone can also be seen on the walls astride the main entrance. Boldly executed with clean lines radiating vibrant energy, these pieces rank highly amongst the artistic treasures of Nankunshen.

The artist Cheng Hsieh (aka ‘Ban-chiao’) was a prodigy active during the early Qing Dynasty (1644~1911) talented in poetry and painting, with a penchant for rendering images of flowers, trees and stones. Orchids and bamboo were particularly favored subjects. Bamboo, along with the pine and plum, one of the ‘friends’ of winter days, is a traditional symbol of the gentleman and of celebration or blessings. These panels are today an irreplaceable part of the nation’s heritage.