Fellow jade enthusiasts and art lovers, I am Chen Zhigang. Having been involved in the jade carving industry for over four decades, from my early days as an apprentice wielding a carving knife to my current role as an industry observer, I have witnessed the rise and fall of jade carving art, and experienced its every transformation firsthand. Today, I want to discuss what I see as the "new" life of jade carving art – an era full of challenges and opportunities.

I. The Interplay of Tradition and Technology: When Ancient Craftsmanship Meets Digital Intelligence

We often say that jade carving is an art of "harmony between heaven and man," emphasizing "carving according to the material." This embodies reverence for jade and an ultimate pursuit of carving techniques. However, in today's world, the wave of technology is sweeping across various fields at an unprecedented pace, and jade carving art is no exception.

In the past, we relied on experienced master craftsmen, who, with their discerning eyes and skillful hands, transformed a raw jade stone into a finished piece. Now, with the increasing maturity of technologies such as 3D scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer numerical control (CNC) carving, the creative process of jade carving is undergoing profound changes.

I once witnessed a young jade carver use 3D scanning technology to precisely model an irregularly shaped Hetian jade rough. Subsequently, he meticulously refined the design on the computer, even simulating the carving effects under different lighting conditions. Finally, rough processing was done by a CNC carving machine, followed by manual fine-tuning and polishing. This "human-machine collaboration" model has greatly improved carving efficiency and precision, and has also made some traditionally difficult-to-achieve complex structures possible.

Of course, this does not mean that technology will replace human labor. On the contrary, I believe that technology is an extension and complement to traditional craftsmanship. CNC carving machines can handle highly repetitive and precision-demanding tasks, freeing jade carvers from arduous physical labor, allowing them to devote more energy to creative conceptualization and artistic expression. For example, when carving intricate patterns or openwork structures, the stability and accuracy of machines are unmatched by human hands. However, it is still the jade carver's aesthetic taste, cultural depth, and ingenious craftsmanship that ultimately imbue the work with soul.

I once discussed this issue with an old master jade carver. Initially, he was reserved about technology, believing it to be "cutting corners." But when I showed him jade carving models produced using 3D printing technology, and jade works presented through virtual reality, his eyes sparkled. He said, "It's like the electric grinder I used in my youth replacing the hand grinder; the tools have changed, but the heart of carving remains the same." This brought me great comfort, as it foreshadowed the jade carving industry's openness and inclusiveness towards new technologies.

II. The Resonance of Culture and Market: Innovating in Inheritance, Developing in Innovation

The vitality of jade carving art lies not only in its exquisite craftsmanship but also in its profound cultural connotations. Every piece of jade carving embodies the aesthetic tastes, philosophical thoughts, and cultural symbols of the Chinese nation. However, in the tide of the market economy, how to ensure that jade carving art can both adhere to tradition and adapt to modern aesthetics, and even enter the international market, is a question we must consider.

I have observed that in recent years, more and more young jade carvers are beginning to integrate modern design concepts into their jade carving creations. They are no longer confined to traditional themes such as auspicious dragons and phoenixes, or Guanyin and Buddha statues, but are looking towards broader fields, such as abstract art, contemporary life scenes, and even science fiction elements.

I once saw a jade carving work titled "City Light," which ingeniously combined the warmth of Hetian jade with the neon lights and high-rise buildings of a modern metropolis. Through fluid lines and layered carving, it showcased the prosperity and vitality of the city. Such works not only retain the natural beauty of jade but also incorporate modern people's life experiences, evoking strong resonance.

At the same time, the jade carving market is also changing. In the past, jade carving was primarily regarded as a collectible and an investment. Now, with the improvement of people's living standards and the shift in aesthetic concepts, jade carving is gradually becoming more integrated into daily life and fashion. Some small and exquisite jade pendants, ornaments, and even cultural and creative products incorporating jade elements, are increasingly popular among young people.

This requires us jade carvers, while upholding tradition, to also actively embrace the market. We must deeply understand consumer needs and create works that possess both artistic value and conform to modern aesthetics and lifestyles. This is not just about thematic innovation but also about innovation in design concepts and marketing models.

For example, some jade carving studios have started to collaborate with fashion brands and jewelry designers to integrate jade carving elements into a wider range of products. Through cross-industry collaboration, jade carving art can be presented to the public in a new light, thereby expanding its market space and influence.

III. Conclusion and Recommendations: Upholding Integrity and Innovating, Moving Forward Steadily

Looking back at the "new" life of jade carving art, I see both hope and challenges. Technological progress provides us with more powerful tools, and market changes offer us a broader stage. But no matter how times change, the essence of jade carving art – the pursuit of beauty, the reverence for jade, and the adherence to craftsmanship – remains constant.

My recommendations are:

  • Embrace technology, but do not rely on it: View technology as a tool to improve efficiency and expand creativity, rather than a machine to replace human labor. The core competitiveness of jade carvers still lies in aesthetics, creativity, and understanding of jade.


  • Deeply cultivate tradition, bravely innovate: Thoroughly learn and inherit traditional jade carving techniques and cultural connotations. On this basis, boldly experiment with new themes, styles, and forms of expression to keep jade carving art abreast of the times.


  • Pay attention to the market, but do not pander: Understand market demands and create works that align with modern aesthetics and lifestyles, but uphold artistic integrity and avoid blindly pursuing commercial interests at the expense of artistic value.


  • Strengthen exchange, cultivate talent: Encourage internal and external industry exchange and cooperation, build learning platforms, and cultivate more young jade carving talents who understand both tradition and technology, and possess both craftsmanship and market insight.


The future of jade carving art is a path full of infinite possibilities. I believe that as long as we jade carvers can uphold integrity and innovate, and move forward steadily, Chinese jade carving art will undoubtedly shine even brighter in the new era and reach a wider world. Thank you all!