In the vast galaxy of traditional Chinese culture, jade undoubtedly shines as the most brilliant star. It is not only a material carrier but also a spiritual symbol, embodying the aesthetic tastes and philosophical wisdom of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. As an ancient jade collector, I often recall the ingenious craftsmanship of our ancestors while caressing the warm luster of ancient jade. However, in contemporary times, jade carving art has not stopped at historical glory; instead, a new generation of jade carving masters has emerged, continuing the legend of jade culture with their unique craftsmanship.
When discussing contemporary jade carving masters, we must first consider the historical context in which they operate. Unlike ancient emperors and nobles who exclusively enjoyed the prestige of jade, today's jade carving art tends to be more popular and diverse. However, this diversity does not imply a decline in skill; on the contrary, it places higher demands on jade carvers: they must both inherit tradition and dare to innovate. Among them, the jade carving masters of Suzhou are undoubtedly outstanding. Suzhou jade carving is renowned for its beauty of “emptiness, lightness, fineness, and elegance,” with its essence lying in the understanding of jade material and the creation of artistic conception. For example, the late Chinese Arts and Crafts Master Gu Yongjun, his works are known for their exquisite elegance and profound artistic conception. His jade carving of “Prosperous Gusu City” incorporated the poetic imagery of Zhang Ji's “A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge,” depicting pavilions, bridges, flowing water, figures, and boats vividly with exquisite relief and openwork techniques, as if it were a flowing scroll painting of Jiangnan. This is not merely a display of skill but a deeper understanding and re-creation of traditional culture.
Another commendable contemporary master is Mr. Liu Zhongrong from Shanghai. His works excel in figures and animals, particularly in utilizing clever colors. Clever color carving, as the name suggests, is the ingenious use of the natural colors and textures of the jade itself, integrating them into the design of the work to achieve an artistic effect of “harmony between heaven and man.” Master Liu Zhongrong's “Eighteen Arhats” group sculpture is an absolute masterpiece. He conceived different Arhat images based on the natural colors and shapes of each piece of jade, some benevolent and kind, others with angry, wide-open eyes, perfectly combining the natural beauty of jade with the solemn sanctity of Buddhist figures. This ultimate application of “tailoring the art to the material” is the crystallization of the wisdom of contemporary jade carving masters and the best interpretation of the traditional Chinese philosophical idea of “following nature.”
The achievements of contemporary jade carving masters are not only reflected in their exquisite skills but also in their inheritance and promotion of the spiritual essence of jade culture. They deeply understand that jade is not merely an ornament but a symbol of a gentleman's character and a carrier of national spirit. Therefore, their works often contain profound cultural connotations and humanistic care. For example, some works take plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums as themes, embodying the noble sentiments of literati; others are based on myths and legends, showcasing the rich imagination and romantic feelings of the Chinese nation. While inheriting traditional themes and expressive techniques, these works also incorporate modern aesthetic elements, allowing jade carving art to flourish with new vitality in contemporary times.
However, the inheritance of contemporary jade carving art is not without challenges. The increasing scarcity of jade resources and the diminishing interest of the younger generation in learning traditional skills pose severe tests for the future development of jade carving art. Fortunately, many contemporary masters have recognized this, and they are not only dedicated to creation but also to education and promotion. They open studios, recruit apprentices, and impart all their knowledge; they actively participate in domestic and international exhibitions, allowing more people to understand the charm of jade carving art. For example, Yang Xi, a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project (Suzhou jade carving), has not only won numerous awards for his jade carving creations but also actively promoted the innovation and development of jade carving art, cultivating a large number of outstanding young jade carvers, laying a solid foundation for the continuous transmission of Suzhou jade carving.
From ancient times to the present, the warm luster of jade has always attracted the eyes of the Chinese people. Contemporary jade carving masters, with their carving knives, sculpt the life of jade and also the cultural confidence of the Chinese nation. Their works are the pinnacle of skill and cultural treasures. They are not only objects pursued by collectors but also an important window for us to understand and inherit excellent traditional Chinese culture. With the efforts of these contemporary masters, the ancient pearl of jade culture will undoubtedly shine even brighter in the new era.