Hello everyone, I am Chen Zhigang. Having been involved in the jade industry for over forty years, I deeply understand the profound universe contained within this small square inch. Jade carving, an ancient art, has consistently attracted countless artisans and collectors with its unique charm throughout its long history. However, in our rapidly developing contemporary society, we can't help but ponder: Where exactly is the "new" in jade carving art? And how can it touch people's hearts and radiate new vitality? Today, I would like to delve into my thoughts on the inheritance and innovation of jade carving art in a contemporary context.

I. Breaking Free from the Shackles of "Likeness" and Pursuing the Return of "Spiritual Charm"

For a long time, jade carving art has largely been constrained by "likeness." A piece was considered excellent if it could carve a real object vividly. While this certainly demonstrated the artisan's exquisite skill, in my opinion, it represents only the rudimentary stage of jade carving art. True jade carving art should pursue "spiritual charm."

What is "spiritual charm"? It is an artistic conception that transcends concrete representation, a fusion of the inherent spirituality of the jade itself and the carver's thoughts. It requires the carver not only to be proficient in carving techniques but also to possess a profound cultural background and a deep understanding of life. For example, I once saw a contemporary jade carving piece titled "New Rain in an Empty Mountain." It didn't depict specific mountains or raindrops but, through clever use of negative space, fluid lines, and the warm, moist texture of the jade itself, it created an ambiance of a fresh mountain forest after a new rain. As viewers appreciate it, they seem to smell the fragrance of the earth and hear the soft sound of raindrops hitting the leaves. This is the embodiment of "spiritual charm"; it is no longer simple imitation but a higher level of artistic expression.

To achieve the return of "spiritual charm," I believe we need to start from the following aspects:

  • Enhance Aesthetic Literacy: Carvers should extensively explore fields such as poetry, painting, calligraphy, and philosophical thought to cultivate refined aesthetic tastes.


  • Deepen Life Experience: Art originates from life. Only by deeply observing and experiencing life can one capture those moments that touch the heart and integrate them into the work.


  • Respect Jade's Characteristics: Each piece of jade has its unique texture, color, and quality. Carvers should conform to the natural beauty of the jade rather than forcibly altering it, achieving "craftsmanship that adapts to the material and rivals nature's work."


II. Embracing Cross-Disciplinary Integration to Expand the Boundaries of Jade Carving Art

A major trend in contemporary art is cross-disciplinary integration. As a traditional art form, jade carving should also actively embrace this trend to expand its own boundaries.

I once participated in a project that combined jade carving with modern jewelry design. We no longer confined ourselves to traditional pendants or display pieces but integrated small, exquisite jade carving elements into modern jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and rings. For instance, a piece of natural Hetian jade with a beautiful "qiao se" (skillfully used natural color variation) was carved into a budding plum blossom, set on a K-gold base, and adorned with diamonds. This not only retained the warm elegance of the jade but also added a sense of fashion and modern flair. Such works not only attracted traditional jade enthusiasts but also won the favor of younger consumers.

In addition to combining with jewelry design, jade carving art can also attempt integration with architectural design, interior decoration, and even digital art. For example, large jade carvings can be used as art installations in public spaces, or 3D printing technology can assist in jade carving creation, exploring the possibilities of jade carving art in different media and contexts.

The key to cross-disciplinary integration lies in:

  • Maintaining the Independence of Jade Carving Art: During the integration process, the unique characteristics and value of jade carving art itself must not be lost; jade elements should still shine in new contexts.


  • Seeking Common Aesthetic Language: Different art forms need to find common aesthetic concepts and modes of expression to achieve true integration, rather than mere juxtaposition.


  • Daring to Experiment and Innovate: Cross-disciplinary integration will inevitably face challenges and risks, but only by daring to try can new paths be opened.


III. Emphasizing Humanistic Care and Imbuing Jade Carvings with "Warmth"

A good work of art is not merely a display of skill; it should also carry humanistic care, touch people's hearts, and evoke resonance. The same applies to jade carving art.

In the past, many jade carving works took myths, legends, and historical anecdotes as their themes, which certainly possessed profound cultural connotations. However, in contemporary society, we should pay more attention to the present and to people's inner worlds. For example, I once guided a young jade carver to create a piece titled "Guard." He skillfully carved a piece of jade with a natural fissure into a mother and child leaning on each other. The mother's eyes were full of love and resilience, while the child nestled in her arms, feeling secure. The work did not deliberately conceal the jade's fissure; instead, it integrated it into the artistic conception of the piece, symbolizing the inevitable hardships of life and the warmth and strength brought by family love. This piece, once exhibited, garnered widespread attention and praise because it touched people's deep longing for family affection and their contemplation of the meaning of life.

Imbuing jade carvings with "warmth" requires:

  • Paying Attention to Social Hotspots: Combining jade carving art with current social issues, expressing thoughts on life, environment, and human nature through the works.


  • Exploring Personal Emotions: Carvers can integrate their own emotions and experiences into their works, giving them a stronger personal character and appeal.


  • Emphasizing Interactive Experience: In exhibitions and promotions, interactive elements can be designed to allow viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the stories and meanings behind the works.


Conclusion and Outlook

The inheritance and innovation of jade carving art is an eternal topic. I believe that the "new" in jade carving art does not lie in blindly pursuing novelty but in a deep understanding of traditional essence combined with clever adaptation to contemporary contexts. The "heart" of jade carving art lies in the carver's devout heart for art, their perceptive heart for life, and their caring heart for humanity.

Looking ahead, I believe jade carving art will embrace new developments in the following areas:

  • Personalized Customization Will Become Mainstream: With consumption upgrades, people's demand for personalized and customized products is growing. Jade carving art will increasingly move towards private customization, meeting the aesthetic needs and emotional aspirations of different groups.


  • Technology Empowerment Will Improve Efficiency and Precision: Technologies such as 3D scanning, 3D printing, and CNC carving will assist jade carvers in creating more complex compositions and more refined carvings, but the core artistic creation and final refinement will still rely on the artisan's skillful hands.


  • International Exchange Will Promote Cultural Integration: With deepening globalization, jade carving art will increasingly move onto the international stage, engaging in exchange and collision with artists from different cultural backgrounds, absorbing new elements, and radiating new vitality.


As a practitioner in the jade industry, I feel a great sense of responsibility. We must not only preserve the precious skills left by our ancestors but also embrace change with an open mind, dare to innovate, and allow jade carving art to shine even brighter in contemporary society, truly touching people's hearts and becoming an artistic bridge connecting tradition and modernity, East and West. Thank you all.