In Chinese civilization, jade is the bone, and ritual is the soul. On this ancient and fertile land of the Central Plains, the vitality of jade has never ceased. Henan, as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, is not only the birthplace of jade culture but also a crucial center for jade carving art that has carried thousands of years of splendor. When it comes to jade carving, people often speak of “Jing Gong (Beijing style) in the north and Su Gong (Suzhou style) in the south,” but often overlook the “Henan Gong” deeply rooted in the heart of the Central Plains. With its unique profundity, exquisite craftsmanship, and innovation, it quietly writes an indispensable chapter in the history of Chinese jade carving.
Tracing the origins of Henan jade carving, we must go back to the Neolithic Age. In the Peiligang cultural site, dating back more than 8,000 years, a large number of exquisite jade artifacts were unearthed, such as jade shovels and jade huang. Their ancient shapes and fine polishing demonstrate the ancestors' initial understanding and use of jade. By the Longshan Culture period, Henan jade carving techniques had matured. Jade cong and jade bi unearthed from the Xichuan Xiawanggang site, with their smooth lines and regular patterns, all showcase the ingenuity of the Central Plains jade artisans of that time. These early jade articles were not only ornaments but also ritual objects used to communicate with heaven and earth and worship ancestors, carrying primitive religious beliefs and the construction of social order, laying a profound cultural foundation for later jade carving art.
During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, with Henan as the capital, jade carving art reached a peak. More than 700 jade artifacts unearthed from the Fu Hao Tomb in Anyang Yin Ruins are diverse in type and wide in subject matter. From figures and animals to vessels, all are lifelike and exquisitely beautiful. Among them, the divine beast shapes such as jade dragons and jade phoenixes, with their strong and powerful lines and intricate carving, demonstrate the Shang dynasty jade artisans' deep understanding of jade materials and superb carving skills. These jade articles were not only exclusive to royalty and nobility but also symbols of power and status. The ritualistic ideas and aesthetic tastes behind them had a profound impact on later jade carving. Especially the application of “qiaose qiaodiao” (ingenious use of jade's natural colors), such as cleverly transforming different colors in the jade material into local features of the work, further reflects the ingenuity of Central Plains jade artisans.
From the Sui, Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties, with the southward shift of economic and cultural centers, Henan jade carving, though not as prominent as in previous dynasties, continued to be passed down among the people. Nanyang Dushan jade, with its rich colors and hard texture, became an important carrier for Henan jade carving. The mining and carving of Dushan jade made Henan jade carving more diverse in material selection and craftsmanship. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Henan jade carving, while inheriting tradition, incorporated more secular elements. The themes became closer to life, such as flowers, birds, fish, insects, and human stories. The carving techniques also became more delicate and vivid, forming a unique style characteristic of the Central Plains.
However, the true rise of “Henan Gong” occurred in modern times. Since the reform and opening up, Henan jade carvers have adhered to the concept of “guarding the old and innovating the new.” While inheriting the traditional “consummate” carving techniques, they have boldly absorbed modern aesthetic concepts and artistic expression forms. They are no longer confined to traditional shapes and patterns but integrate jade carving with various art forms such as painting, calligraphy, and sculpture, creating a batch of exquisite works that possess both traditional charm and contemporary flair. For example, Nanyang jade carving masters' innovation in Dushan jade's qiaose qiaodiao maximizes the natural colors of the jade material, making the works colorful and profound in artistic conception. They cleverly utilize the natural textures and colors of jade to vividly express themes such as landscapes, figures, and flowers and birds, giving jade new life and soul.
Today, Henan jade carving has become a national intangible cultural heritage, and its inheritance and development face new opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, how to attract more young people to the jade carving industry and combine traditional techniques with modern technology is an important issue for jade carvers. On the other hand, how to enhance the brand influence of Henan jade carving and let “Henan Gong” go global is also a mission of the times. I believe that with the profound cultural heritage of the Central Plains and the meticulous craftsmanship of jade carvers, Henan jade carving will surely radiate even more brilliant light in the new era and continue to write its legendary chapter.