Hello everyone, I am Chen Zhigang. Having been involved in the jade industry for over forty years, from an initial apprentice to now heading a jade carving studio, I have witnessed the rise and fall of jade carving art and experienced its every transformation and rebirth in contemporary society. Today, I want to discuss with you what I perceive as the "new" and the "heart" of jade carving art – how traditional craftsmanship can achieve inheritance and innovation in a contemporary context, and how we, as jade carvers, can uphold our original aspirations and imbue this ancient art with new life.
I. The "New" in Jade Carving Art: Breakthroughs in Concepts, Materials, and Technology
When we talk about the "new" in jade carving, the first thing we must break free from are the shackles of traditional concepts. For a long time, jade carving was regarded as a "craftsman's" skill, emphasizing technique over thought. However, against the backdrop of diverse contemporary artistic development, jade carving art must transcend the realm of "crafts" and advance towards "artworks." This means that jade carving pieces should not only be aesthetically pleasing in form but also profound in meaning; they should not only be exquisitely carved but also incorporate the creator's thoughts, emotions, and even observations of social phenomena.
For example, my studio once created a piece titled Classic of Mountains and Seas: Kunpeng. We did not confine ourselves to a concrete depiction of the traditional mythical beast but instead used abstract lines and flowing forms to express the majestic and soaring spirit of the Kunpeng. In terms of material selection, we boldly experimented with splicing Hetian jade with different types of jade such as Qinghai jade and Russian jade, utilizing their distinct colors and textures to create richer visual layers. This was unthinkable in the past, but it is precisely this conceptual breakthrough that imbues the work with a unique charm that is both classical and modern.
Secondly, there is the integration of "new" and "old" materials. Traditional jade carving primarily focused on precious jades like Hetian jade and jadeite. However, with resources becoming increasingly scarce, we must broaden our horizons and explore more potential jade materials. For instance, Dushan jade, Xiuyan jade, agate, and others each possess unique colors and textures. If skillfully utilized, they can also create astonishing works. More importantly, we should re-evaluate the worth of "scraps." In the past, irregularly shaped or flawed jade materials were often discarded. But now, many jade carvers are attempting "clever carving," transforming these "defects" into distinctive features of the work, even making them the focal point. This is not only a respect for the material but also a challenge to creativity.
Finally, there is the combination of "new" and "old" technologies. The "eighteen martial arts" of traditional jade carving are the foundation and indispensable. However, we must also embrace modern technology, such as 3D printing and laser engraving. These technologies can assist us in completing some highly difficult and precise carvings, improving efficiency, and even achieving effects that are challenging to accomplish by hand. But please note, these technologies are always auxiliary tools and should never replace the jade carver's ingenuity and tactile feel. True art still requires a dialogue between human and jade, the warmth of fingertips, and the transmission of intention.
II. The "Heart" of Jade Carving Art: Ingenuity, Inheritance, and Cultural Confidence
The "heart" of jade carving, first and foremost, is "ingenuity." This is an ultimate pursuit of skill, a dedication to perfection, and an awe of jade itself. From a raw stone to a finished product, a piece of jade undergoes dozens of processes, including selection, design, cutting, carving, grinding, and polishing. Every step allows no room for error. I often say that a jade carver must not only have skillful hands but also a "calm heart." Only with a calm heart can one settle down and communicate with the jade, discover its inherent veins and colors, and, based on its characteristics, bestow upon it the most suitable form and meaning.
"Inheritance" is the lifeline of jade carving art. We cannot blindly pursue novelty and abandon tradition. The themes, patterns, and techniques of traditional jade carving embody the aesthetic tastes and cultural connotations of the Chinese nation. For example, classic themes like "dragon and phoenix bringing auspiciousness," "fortune, prosperity, longevity, and joy," and "flowers, birds, fish, and insects" contain profound auspicious meanings and philosophical thoughts. We should deeply study and understand these traditional elements, refine and innovate them in our creations, allowing them to radiate new brilliance in a contemporary context. My studio has always adhered to the master-apprentice model, teaching the younger generation hand-in-hand, so they not only master the techniques but also comprehend the culture behind jade carving.
Lastly, and most importantly, is "cultural confidence." Jade carving art is a treasure of the Chinese nation, carrying our five-thousand-year history of civilization. In an era where Western artistic trends are constantly flowing in, we should be even more steadfast in our cultural confidence, using jade carving art to tell Chinese stories and showcase Chinese wisdom. This is not merely a display of skill but also an output of culture. When a jade carving piece can make the world feel the profoundness and unique charm of Chinese culture, that is when jade carving art truly goes global and realizes its value.
Summary and Suggestions:
The future of jade carving art lies in the organic combination of "new" and "heart." We must be brave in innovation, break traditional constraints, and embrace new concepts, new materials, and new technologies. At the same time, we must uphold our original aspirations, inherit the spirit of craftsmanship, delve deep into traditional culture, and strengthen cultural confidence.
For the younger generation of jade carvers, my suggestions are:
- Observe and Learn Extensively: Not only learn jade carving techniques but also widely explore fields such as art history, philosophy, and literature to enhance your cultural literacy and aesthetic capabilities.
- Be Brave to Experiment: Don't be afraid of failure; boldly try new design concepts, new material combinations, and new carving techniques.
- Accumulate and Refine: Jade carving is an art that requires time and accumulation. Be patient, endure solitude, and continuously hone your skills and cultivate your character through practice.
- Pay Attention to the Market: While upholding artistic integrity, also pay attention to market demands and understand contemporary aesthetic preferences to make your works more vibrant.
Jade has a spirit, and carving has a heart. I believe that as long as we jade carvers always cherish our love for jade, our dedication to art, and our reverence for culture, the brilliant pearl of jade carving art will undoubtedly shine even brighter in the new era!