During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a master carpenter in the state of Lu named Qing, so skilled that people called him Zi Qing, taking the catalpa wood as his surname.
Zi Qing was a master craftsman who not only built all kinds of furniture but also created exquisite works of art. Once, he carved a musical instrument resembling a bell from sandalwood. Its elegant shape and intricate carvings left everyone in awe, with many refusing to believe it was made by human hands, insisting instead that it must be the work of spirits or gods.
Ziqing presented the piece to the Duke of Lu. The Duke marveled at it and asked in astonishment, "Ziqing, what magic did you use to create such a rare treasure?" Ziqing smiled and replied, "I am but an ordinary man—how would I know any magic?" The Duke, unconvinced, pressed further, "How could human hands craft something so exquisite? Tell me, how did you make it?"
Zi Qing replied, "When I make these, I focus completely, free of all distractions, forgetting everything in the world—forgetting rewards, titles, fame, and fortune—concentrating solely on how to craft it well. Then, I go into the mountains and forests to carefully search for suitable wood. After countless days and nights, I carve and polish with total devotion, allowing no flaw to appear, before finally creating a piece that satisfies me."
The ruler of the Lu state finally understood that the phrase "supernatural craftsmanship" was merely a metaphor—only by tirelessly refining one's skills with relentless dedication could one reach the pinnacle of mastery.
Later, the idiom "Ghostly Axe and Divine Craftsmanship" came to describe extraordinary skill that rivals nature, as if not made by human hands.
Source: *Zhuangzi*, Chapter "Da Sheng"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "鬼斧神工" came to describe extraordinary skill that rivals nature, as if not made by human hands.