Title: The Soul of Jade, the Heart of the Artisan: Inheritance and Innovation in New-Era Jade Carving Art

Hello everyone, I am Chen Zhigang. Having worked in the jade industry for over forty years, I have witnessed the transformation of jade carving art from tradition to modernity, from isolation to openness. Today, I would like to share some of my thoughts on new-era jade carving art, hoping to spark discussion and collectively explore the future of this craft.

I. The "Change" and "Unchange" in Jade Carving Art

In this rapidly changing era, jade carving art faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges. What remains unchanged is the "soul" of jade carving – the respect for and exploration of the natural beauty of jade. The warmth, subtlety, and resilience of jade embody the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, which is indelible in any era. The "change," however, is reflected in techniques, themes, aesthetic concepts, and market operation models.

Traditional jade carving emphasizes "ingenious craftsmanship that rivals nature," pursuing both form and spirit, and focusing on auspicious meanings. However, with societal development, people's aesthetic tastes have become increasingly diverse. The past singular themes of Guanyin, Buddha statues, and auspicious beasts can no longer fully satisfy modern demands. New-era jade carving has begun to incorporate more modern elements, such as abstract art, contemporary life scenes, and even Western cultural symbols. This integration is not a simple superposition but rather a clever conception that allows tradition and modernity to coexist harmoniously on jade, imbuing the works with new vitality.

I once saw a young jade carver who integrated the artistic conception of traditional landscape painting into a piece of Hetian jade pebble. Utilizing the natural skin color of the pebble, he cleverly designed an ancient path under the setting sun, sketching distant mountains and nearby waters with just a few strokes, creating a profound artistic mood. This piece not only retained the charm of traditional landscape painting but also showcased the unique allure of the jade material, offering a refreshing experience. This is precisely the charm of "change."

II. Technology Empowerment: The "Break" and "Establishment" of Traditional Craftsmanship

In the past, jade carving was purely manual labor, requiring apprentices years, or even decades, of arduous training to master the craft. Now, technological advancements have brought revolutionary changes to the jade carving industry. Technologies such as 3D modeling, CNC carving, and laser carving have significantly improved carving efficiency and precision.

However, this does not mean the demise of traditional hand carving. On the contrary, the intervention of technology allows jade carvers to dedicate more energy to creative design and meticulous polishing. For example, in some large jade carving works, the overall composition and rough shaping can first be done through 3D modeling, followed by detailed carving and polishing by experienced jade carvers, achieving a perfect combination of efficiency and artistry.

I have always emphasized that technology is a tool, and art is the soul. We cannot sacrifice artistry for the sake of efficiency. I have seen some works that rely excessively on machine carving, which, although having smooth lines, lack the unique agility and warmth of hand carving. True jade carving art is a dialogue between human and jade, an infusion of the artisan's emotions. Therefore, how to balance technology and manual craftsmanship is a question that new-era jade carvers need to ponder deeply. We should leverage the advantages of technology to free our hands, allowing jade carvers more time to think, innovate, and imbue their works with deeper meaning.

III. Market Orientation: The Transformation from "Craftsman" to "Artist"

In the past, jade carvers were largely seen as "craftsmen," silently working in their studios. Now, with the increasing demand for art in the market, the identity of jade carvers is gradually shifting towards "artists." This means that jade carvers must not only possess exquisite skills but also unique artistic concepts and market insights.

I encourage young jade carvers to go out more, participate in domestic and international art exhibitions, and exchange ideas and learn from artists in different fields. At the same time, they should also learn to utilize the internet and new media platforms to showcase their works, tell their creative stories, and build emotional connections with consumers.

For example, one of my students specializes in carving realistic subjects, particularly excelling at depicting the fur and eyes of animals with vivid detail. He shares his carving process through short video platforms, from an ordinary piece of jade to a lifelike work, allowing more people to understand the charm of jade carving. This interactive communication method has not only enhanced his reputation but also brought higher market value to his works.

IV. Inheritance and Innovation: The Future Path of Jade Carving Art

The future of jade carving art lies in both inheritance and innovation. What is inherited is the essence of Chinese jade culture, the spirit of meticulous craftsmanship, and the philosophical idea of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. What is innovated are the forms of expression, aesthetic concepts, and market models.

I advise young jade carvers:

• Deeply study traditional culture: Jade carving art is rooted in Chinese culture; only by deeply understanding tradition can one innovate better. Read classics, study cultural relics, and draw nourishment from them.

• Dare to try new materials and techniques: Besides traditional Hetian jade and jadeite, one can also try other jade varieties such as Shoushan stone and Qingtian stone. At the same time, actively explore new carving techniques and forms of expression.

• Cultivate independent thinking ability: Do not blindly follow trends; have your own artistic主張 and style. Observe life more and find creative inspiration from it.

• Emphasize the cultural connotation of works: An excellent jade carving work is not just a perfect combination of material and skill; it should also contain profound cultural heritage and humanistic care.

New-era jade carving art is a vibrant field with infinite possibilities. It requires us to uphold tradition while embracing change. As practitioners in the jade industry, we have the responsibility and obligation to pass on this ancient art and imbue it with new contemporary meaning. I believe that as long as we maintain our artisan's heart and dare to innovate, the future of jade carving art will undoubtedly be even more brilliant!

Thank you all.