Distinguished colleagues, fellow jade enthusiasts, I am Chen Zhigang. Having dedicated over four decades to the jade carving industry, I have personally witnessed the ebb and flow of Chinese jade carving art and seen countless pieces of jade come to life in the hands of artisans. Today, I wish to share some of my latest thoughts and insights on the current state of jade carving art, hoping to bring new inspiration to this ancient yet vibrant industry.

I. The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: An Inevitable Metamorphosis

For a long time, jade carving art was regarded as a traditional craft, its value often reflected in the replication of classic themes and the pursuit of exquisite craftsmanship. However, with the development of the times, we cannot merely remain in awe of ancient methods. I believe that true inheritance is not about being immutable, but about boldly integrating modern aesthetics and contemporary spirit on the basis of understanding its essence.

For example, in terms of subject matter, we are no longer limited to traditional auspicious beasts, mythical figures, or flora and fauna. Some young jade carvers are beginning to experiment with incorporating modern life scenes, abstract artistic concepts, and even sci-fi elements into their jade creations. I once saw a piece titled "Urban Rhythm," which used Hetian jade as its medium, depicting the prosperity and vitality of a modern city through geometric lines and ingenious openwork. This innovation not only broadened the artistic expressive power of jade carving but also sparked the interest of more young people in this art form.

In terms of craftsmanship, traditional hand carving remains the soul of jade carving, but modern technology is not an adversary. I advocate for the appropriate introduction of auxiliary tools, such as 3D modeling and laser engraving, without losing the warmth of manual work. Especially in the preliminary shaping stages of complex structures, these tools can significantly improve efficiency, allowing carvers to devote more energy to meticulous carving and artistic creation. Of course, this requires strict control to prevent the coldness of machines from replacing the warmth of human hands and the infusion of craftsmanship.

II. The Resonance of Material and Design: The Wisdom of Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary

The preciousness of jade largely depends on its natural material. However, not all jade is flawless. In practice, we often encounter jade rough with fissures, impurities, or even irregular shapes. How to "carve according to the material," and even "turn the ordinary into the extraordinary," is a major challenge that tests a jade carver's skill.

My experience is to deeply understand the characteristics of each piece of jade, including its color, texture, grain, and the direction of fissures. Design is not superior to the material; rather, it is a deep dialogue with the material. A piece of Hetian jade with natural ink spots can be cleverly designed into "Ink Lotus" or "Ink Landscape," making the ink spots the finishing touch; a piece of jade with natural cracks can be transformed through clever carving into "Withered Wood Comes to Life" or "Cracked Iceberg," endowing it with a unique artistic conception.

I once worked on a large piece of Hetian jade mountain rough with extensive natural skin color. If I had followed traditional thinking, I might have chosen to remove the skin to reveal the white jade. However, I observed that the skin color was rich in layers and warm in luster, so I boldly designed it into a "Bodhidharma Facing the Wall," using the skin color to depict Bodhidharma's kasaya and the weathered look of his face, while the jade flesh was carved to show Bodhidharma's resolute gaze and contemplative posture. Ultimately, this piece not only received wide recognition in the industry but also became a proud example in my career. This respect for material and creative utilization is the eternal charm of jade carving art.

III. The Balance of Culture and Market: Bringing Art into Life

The vitality of jade carving art lies not only in its artistic value but also in its connection to people's daily lives. In the context of a market economy, how to balance artistic quality and market demand is a question that every jade carver needs to consider.

I believe that jade carving art should not be aloof but should actively embrace the market, allowing more people to access and own jade carving works. This does not mean lowering artistic standards to cater to vulgar demands, but rather developing diversified products while ensuring artistic taste.

For example, in addition to traditional ornaments and hand-held pieces, we can develop more practical jade jewelry, such as jade plaques, pendants, and earrings. These small and exquisite pieces are more easily accepted by modern consumers. At the same time, the themes can be more lifestyle-oriented and fashionable, such as zodiac series, constellation series, or designs inspired by modern architecture and abstract symbols.

Furthermore, telling the story of jade carving is also an important part of enhancing its market value. Every piece of jade carving embodies the painstaking effort and wisdom of the carver and carries the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. By telling consumers the stories behind the works, the cultural connotations of jade, and the carver's creative philosophy through multimedia forms such as text, pictures, and videos, the added value of the works and consumers' emotional identification can be greatly enhanced.

Conclusion and Outlook:

Jade carving art is an art that seeks newness in inheritance and change in innovation. It must both adhere to the cultural roots of the Chinese nation and bravely embrace the trends of the times.

My recommendations are:

  • Adhere to craftsmanship, never forget the original intention: No matter how technology develops, the core of jade carving always remains the artisan's understanding of jade and pursuit of art.


  • Open-mindedness, embrace innovation: Encourage young generation jade carvers to boldly experiment, integrating new ideas and elements into their creations, injecting fresh blood into jade carving art.


  • In-depth research, enhance aesthetics: Strengthen learning in jade material science, aesthetics, history, and culture, continuously improving one's artistic cultivation and appreciation ability.


  • Active exchange, common progress: Participate more in industry exchanges, share experiences with peers, and jointly explore the future development direction of jade carving art.


  • Focus on the market, serve the public: While ensuring artistic taste, develop more diversified products to bring jade carving art into thousands of households.


I believe that as long as all of us in the jade carving community work together, upholding our love for jade and reverence for art, Chinese jade carving art will surely shine with even greater brilliance in the new era, reaching the world and becoming a dazzling calling card of Chinese culture.

Thank you all!