In south China’s Guangdong Province, no feast is complete without chicken. A staple of Cantonese cuisine, poached chicken—known locally as white-cut chicken—is more than just a dinner table favorite; it’s also inspiring breathtaking works of art.
At the Guangdong Provincial Museum in Guangzhou City, one of the most popular treasures is a sculpture of a Cantonese poached chicken carved entirely from a piece of Guangning jade. This intricate artwork captures the dehiscent skin and tiny pimples on the chicken’s surface so vividly that it appears to have just come straight out of the pot.
Similarly, the Zhaoqing Museum in Zhaoqing City boasts a jade sculpture of the same dish, equally mesmerizing in its lifelike detail. These jade carvings not only celebrate the culinary heritage of Guangdong but also highlight the region’s rich tradition in jade craftsmanship.
Cantonese poached chicken is traditionally prepared by boiling a whole chicken in plain water, cooling it in cold water, and then pouring hot oil over it. The chicken is then cut into smaller pieces and dressed with sauce just before serving. The jade sculptures capture this culinary process in stunning detail, transforming a beloved dish into a timeless piece of art.
