"I got the chance to work with a professional drawing teacher, and it helped me a lot. Drawing is the essential skill in coconut carving."

Now that his two children have grown up he can devote himself even more to carving, he says.

Coconut carving is regarded as a low-cost craft compared with sculpture and other forms of art. Zhang says he got his carving knives 59 years ago, and for them to be effective all he needs to do is sharpen them from time to time.

Coconut shells can easily be bought at the market for about 5 yuan (70 cents) each, and he is expert at discerning the best ones in terms of shape, color and hardness.

"But the perfect coconut shell is like a once-in-a-lifetime chance, a one in a million happening."

Shop owners have a good idea of Zhang's needs and make a point of saving coconuts with any unusual shape for him. In his home he has about 30 of his own works, and people have offered good money for them, but Zhang has turned them down.

"These are family treasures and not for sale," Zhang says.

And in the master craftsman himself, his son Zhang Minjie sees a treasure.

"I admire my father and am proud of him. There is always something I can learn from him."

Contact the writer at liuxiaoli@chinadaily.com.cn