I am Chen Zhigang, and I have been immersed in the jade industry for over thirty years. From my initial apprenticeship to my current role as a researcher of jade carving art, I have personally witnessed the rise and fall of this art form, as well as its transformation and rebirth amidst the currents of time. Today, I would like to share some of my thoughts and insights on contemporary jade carving art, hoping to bring new perspectives to this ancient yet vibrant industry.

I. Upholding Tradition, Rooted in Cultural Soil

Jade carving, since ancient times, has been an important component of Chinese civilization. It is not merely a craft but a carrier of culture, embodying the Chinese nation's aspirations for a better life, reverence for nature, and pursuit of ethical values. In the context of contemporary jade carving art, I have always believed that "upholding tradition" is paramount. Here, "upholding tradition" does not mean rigid adherence to old ways, but rather a profound understanding and inheritance of the essence and cultural connotations of traditional jade carving.

Take "clever use of color" (俏色巧雕) as an example, which is a unique charm of Chinese jade carving art. The natural color distribution and grain direction of a jade piece often contain infinite creative possibilities. An excellent jade carver does not simply engrave patterns onto the jade but "adapts the artistry to the material," subtly integrating the natural beauty of the jade with the artistic conception of the creation. I once saw a Qing Dynasty "Five Blessings Embracing Longevity" jade pendant, where the natural reddish skin of the jade was skillfully carved into bats, while the white flesh was carved into peaches of longevity. The overall composition was harmonious and auspicious. The brilliance of this piece lay in the carver's profound insight into the natural characteristics of the jade material and its integration into the creation. In contrast, some young jade carvers today overly pursue formal novelty, yet neglect the inherent "jade nature" of the material, leading to works that lack spirit and charm. Therefore, I often tell my students to study tradition more, to ponder the works of ancient masters, and to draw nourishment from them, only then can they truly achieve "hills and valleys in their mind, and the universe in their hands."

II. Embracing Innovation, Reflecting the Spirit of the Times

Based on upholding tradition, innovation is the inevitable path for the development of jade carving art. With changes in social aesthetics and technological advancements, contemporary jade carving art faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges. How to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics and contemporary life is a crucial issue before us.

I have observed that in recent years, some young jade carvers have begun to incorporate modern artistic elements into their jade creations. For example, some works draw inspiration from the abstract expressionism of Western sculpture, deconstructing and reorganizing the lines and planes of jade to present a unique modern aesthetic; other works integrate the artistic conception of traditional Chinese ink painting into jade carving, creating an interplay of reality and illusion through the clever treatment of the jade's texture. While these attempts may initially spark some controversy, I believe this is an essential step for jade carving art to mature.

I once mentored a young jade carver who was very fond of science fiction themes. In one creation, he skillfully carved a piece of Hetian jade with natural cracks into the shape of a "spaceship," and he treated the cracks as "light trails" left by the spaceship traversing space. This work broke the thematic limitations of traditional jade carving, perfectly combining modern technology with jade art, which was refreshing. This made me deeply realize that innovation does not mean completely abandoning tradition, but rather expressing it with new perspectives and new languages based on understanding tradition.

Furthermore, technological advancements have also brought new possibilities to jade carving art. For instance, 3D printing technology can assist jade carvers in design and prototyping, improving creative efficiency; high-precision laser engraving technology can achieve more intricate textures and patterns on jade. Of course, these technologies are merely tools; true artistic creation still relies on the ingenuity and wisdom of the jade carver.

III. Market-Oriented, Meeting Diverse Needs

The vitality of jade carving art is reflected not only in its artistic value but also in its market value. In contemporary society, jade carving works are no longer exclusively for royalty and nobility but are gradually entering ordinary households. Therefore, how to meet the needs of consumers with different levels and aesthetic preferences is a question the jade industry needs to seriously consider.

I have found that the current market demand for jade carving works shows a diversified trend. On the one hand, the high-end collection market has a special fondness for works with rare materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound cultural connotations; on the other hand, the mass consumer market prefers jade ornaments or擺件 (decorative pieces) with novel designs, moderate prices, and practical functions.

In response to this market change, I believe the jade industry needs to pursue segmented development. For the high-end market, we should continue to delve into traditional craftsmanship and pursue the ultimate artistic expression; for the mass market, we can try to develop more fashionable and personalized products, for example, combining jade with other materials such as precious metals and gemstones, or integrating jade carving elements into home decor and cultural and creative products.

I once participated in the design of a series of small jade carvings themed on the Chinese zodiac. These works were cute and charming in shape, and affordably priced. They were loved by young consumers upon their launch. This shows that as long as we observe the market diligently and understand consumer needs, we can find new growth points for jade carving art.

IV. Summary and Recommendations

In summary, contemporary jade carving art is at a critical juncture of inheriting the past and ushering in the future. I believe that to promote the continuous development of jade carving art, the following points need to be addressed:

  • Uphold tradition and delve into cultural connotations: The foundation of jade carving lies in traditional Chinese culture. We must continuously learn and research the essence of traditional jade carving and integrate it into contemporary creations.


  • Dare to innovate and embrace the spirit of the times: On the basis of inheritance, we must dare to try new themes and new expressive techniques, combining modern aesthetics with jade carving art.


  • Focus on talent cultivation and generational succession: Establish a comprehensive talent training system for jade carving to attract more young people to join the industry, injecting fresh blood into jade carving art.


  • Expand market channels and meet diverse needs: Deeply understand the market and develop jade carving products of different levels and styles to bring jade carving art into the lives of more people.


  • Strengthen industry exchange and common progress: The jade carving industry should strengthen communication and cooperation, jointly discuss the challenges facing industry development, share experiences, and learn from each other's strengths.


Jade has spirit, and craftsmanship is evident. I believe that as long as all of us in the jade carving community remain true to our original aspirations and forge ahead, we will surely enable this ancient art to shine even more brilliantly in the new era, carving out a "new realm of jade soul" that belongs to our time.