Hello everyone, I am Chen Zhigang. Having been involved in the jade carving industry for over forty years, from an initial apprentice to now being honored as an "expert," I have witnessed the transformation of the jade industry from traditional workshops to modern enterprises. I have also personally experienced the steadfastness and innovation of jade carving art amidst the currents of time. Today, I want to discuss a question I have been pondering: in this digital age of diverse aesthetics, how can jade carving art truly achieve "revitalization" and radiate new vitality?

I. "Living" Inheritance of Traditional Techniques: More Than Carving, It's the Continuation of Culture

The first step towards "revitalization" lies in the "living" inheritance of traditional techniques. Many believe that inheritance means simply replicating the skills of previous generations. While undoubtedly important, this is not the whole picture. My understanding of "living" inheritance emphasizes a deeper comprehension and application of the cultural connotations behind the techniques.

Take "Qiao Se Qiao Diao" (clever carving using natural colors) as an example. This technique focuses on shaping the jade according to its natural properties, transforming imperfections into wonders by utilizing the jade's inherent colors, textures, and flaws. In the past, we primarily viewed it as a carving skill. However, I now realize that true masters of Qiao Se Qiao Diao possess an understanding of jade that transcends the material level. They can perceive mountains and rivers, flowers and birds, even the "breathing" and "emotions" of the jade from a raw stone. This is an ability to converse with nature, a reverence for all things in heaven and on earth.

In recent years, I have observed some young jade carvers who no longer blindly pursue "whiteness" or "fineness" but instead focus more on the natural beauty of the jade. They dare to preserve the jade's skin color and even cleverly integrate what were traditionally considered "blemishes" into their designs, imbuing their works with unique artistic conceptions. For instance, I once saw a piece carved from Hetian seed jade depicting "Autumn Mountain Seeking the Dao." The artist ingeniously used the brown skin color on the surface of the seed jade to sculpt ancient pine branches, while the white jade flesh transformed into mountain mists, creating a profound artistic mood. This exemplifies the living inheritance of Qiao Se Qiao Diao; it is no longer a simple replication of technique but incorporates the creator's deep understanding of nature and life.

II. Introducing "Living Water" Through Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Breaking Barriers, Expanding Boundaries

The second step towards "revitalization" involves actively introducing "living water" and achieving cross-disciplinary integration. As an ancient art form, jade carving should not remain isolated in modern society.

I always encourage my students to explore other art forms, such as painting, photography, architecture, and even fashion design. These seemingly unrelated fields can bring unexpected inspiration to jade carving creation.

For example, the rising trend of "jades as jewelry" in recent years is a successful case of cross-disciplinary integration. Traditional jade carvings were mostly display pieces or handheld items, with limited wearability. However, with changes in modern aesthetics, the demand for jade jewelry is growing. Some excellent jade carvers have begun collaborating with jewelry designers, combining jade carving techniques with modern jewelry design concepts like precious metal settings and gemstone pairings, creating jade jewelry that retains the warm and understated beauty of jade while conforming to contemporary fashion trends.

I once supervised a project that combined the traditional "openwork" technique in jade carving with modern 3D printing technology. We first designed complex openwork structures using 3D modeling, then utilized laser engraving and manual finishing to create a jade carving that possessed both classical charm and a modern technological feel. This bold attempt not only improved the efficiency of jade carving production but also expanded the expressive forms of jade carving art, allowing more young people to see its infinite possibilities.

III. Market-Oriented "Dynamic" Innovation: People-Centered, Serving Life

The third step towards "revitalization" involves market-oriented "dynamic" innovation. Ultimately, art must serve people and life.

In the past, jade carvings were often regarded as collectibles, highly priced and inaccessible to ordinary people. This, to some extent, limited the popularization and development of jade carving art. Now, we should consider how to better integrate jade carving art into modern people's lives.

I have noticed that in recent years, some young jade carvers have begun to attempt creating smaller, more practical, and life-oriented pieces, such as jade tea sets, jade stationery, and even jade incense burners. These works not only possess ornamental value but also functional utility, allowing people to experience the charm of jade in their daily lives.

Furthermore, the selection of themes should also be more diverse. In addition to traditional auspicious themes, we can also try to incorporate modern elements, such as cartoon characters and abstract art, to attract consumers of different age groups. I once saw a young team that carved characters from traditional Chinese mythology into Q-version forms on small jade pendants, which were very popular among young people. This demonstrates that as long as we carefully observe market demand and dare to innovate, jade carving art can find broader development space.

Conclusion and Suggestions:

The path to "revitalization" for jade carving art is one full of challenges and opportunities. It requires us to both uphold tradition and embrace innovation; to maintain the purity of art while also considering market demands.

My suggestions are:

  • Strengthen basic education: Emphasize the cultivation of jade carving talent, not only teaching techniques but also fostering their cultural literacy and innovative thinking.


  • Build exchange platforms: Encourage jade carvers to collaborate and communicate with artists, designers, and technologists from different fields to stimulate new creative inspirations.


  • Embrace technological development: Make good use of modern technological means, such as 3D printing and big data analysis, to improve the efficiency and expressiveness of jade carving creation.


  • Expand sales channels: Utilize the internet, e-commerce platforms, and other emerging channels to reach a wider range of consumers.


  • Tell the story of jade: Through exhibitions, lectures, media promotion, and other means, popularize knowledge of jade culture and enhance public awareness and appreciation of jade carving art.


I believe that as long as our colleagues in the jade industry can explore with an open mind, actively experiment, and bravely practice, jade carving art, this brilliant oriental pearl, will undoubtedly radiate even more dazzling brilliance in the new era! Thank you all.