Hello everyone, I am Chen Zhigang. Having been involved in the jade industry for over forty years, I have personally witnessed the brilliance and transformations of Chinese jade carving art. From the arduous beginnings of an apprentice to the meticulous craftsmanship empowered by modern technology, jade carving art has consistently embodied the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation with its unique charm. Today, I would like to discuss with you the path of inheritance and innovation for jade carving art in the new era.

I. Inheritance: Upholding Tradition While Embracing Newness, Rooted in the Past

"Jade uncarved is not a vessel." This ancient adage remains the golden rule of the jade carving industry. Inheritance is the cornerstone of the development of jade carving art. In my opinion, inheritance is not about rigid adherence to old ways, but rather about deeply understanding the essence of traditional jade carving and innovating upon that foundation.

  • Respect and Understanding of Materials: The starting point of jade carving art is the understanding of the jade material itself. Every piece of jade, whether it's the warm luster of Hetian jade, the vibrant green of jadeite, or the colorful patterns of agate, possesses unique physical properties and cultural connotations. We must respect the natural textures, fissures, and skin colors of the jade, practicing "carving according to the material" to perfectly integrate the natural beauty of the jade with the beauty of artificial carving. I once encountered a piece of Hetian jade pebble with a natural red skin. According to traditional notions, one might choose to remove the skin to pursue purity. However, I decided to preserve this touch of red, cleverly designing it into a blooming peach blossom, creating a striking contrast with the white of the jade material itself. The final work not only received high praise but also demonstrated the harmonious coexistence of jade and art.


  • Refinement and Elevation of Techniques: Traditional jade carving techniques such as round carving, relief carving, openwork carving, and skillful use of contrasting colors are the crystallization of wisdom from generations of jade carvers. Mastering these techniques requires years of practice and insight. However, merely staying at the technical level is insufficient. Jade carvers in the new era need to integrate these techniques with modern aesthetics to breathe new life into them. For example, building upon traditional openwork carving, we can use more precise tools and more ingenious compositions to create works with greater spatial depth and layering.


  • Deep Exploration and Expression of Culture: Jade culture is an important component of traditional Chinese culture, embodying philosophical ideas such as "a gentleman compares virtue to jade" and "the beauty of jade lies in its spirit." Jade carving art is not merely a display of carving techniques, but also the materialization of cultural spirit. What we carve is not just an image, but also a meaning, an emotion, and a history. When creating a Guanyin statue, I not only focus on Guanyin's compassionate face and flowing robes but also delve deeply into Buddhist scriptures, striving to convey Guanyin's grand vow to save all sentient beings through the work, making the image of Guanyin more compelling.


II. Innovation: Breaking the Cocoon, Embracing the Future

Innovation is the driving force behind the development of jade carving art. In today's era of information explosion and rapid technological advancement, jade carving art faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

  • Expansion and Diversification of Themes: Traditional jade carving themes often revolve around myths and legends, historical figures, and flora and fauna. New era jade carving art can boldly expand its themes, incorporating modern life, technological elements, and abstract concepts. For example, I once attempted to combine the streamlined design of modern architecture with jade carving, creating a series of futuristic works that broke the inherent impression of traditional jade carving. Furthermore, cross-disciplinary collaborations with contemporary artists can also bring new inspiration and forms of expression to jade carving art.


  • Empowerment and Integration of Technology: The introduction of modern technologies such as 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC machine tools has brought revolutionary changes to jade carving art. These technologies can assist designers in more precise modeling and more complex structural designs, and even replace manual labor in certain rough processing stages, greatly improving efficiency and reducing costs. However, technology is always just a tool; it cannot replace the artisan's ingenuity and artistic soul. How to find the optimal balance between technology and manual craftsmanship is a question we need to ponder deeply. Personally, I believe that technology can be used for preliminary design and auxiliary processing, while the final refinement and the imparting of spirit still depend on the jade carver's hands and experience.


  • Renewal of Aesthetic Concepts and Internationalization: With the exchange and integration of global cultures, the aesthetics of jade carving art should also be more open and diverse. We should not merely be satisfied with recognition in the domestic market, but also actively participate in international exchanges to let the world understand the unique charm of Chinese jade carving art. When designing works, it is appropriate to incorporate internationally popular design elements and aesthetic trends, but the prerequisite is not to lose the cultural roots of jade carving art itself.


III. Conclusion and Recommendations

The future of jade carving art lies in the organic combination of inheritance and innovation. Inheritance is the root, and innovation is the soul. Innovation without inheritance is like water without a source; inheritance without innovation is a rigid dogma.

My recommendations are:

  • Strengthen Talent Cultivation: Establish a sound talent cultivation system for jade carving, emphasizing both the transmission of traditional techniques and encouraging innovative thinking and interdisciplinary learning. At the same time, improve the social status and remuneration of jade carvers to attract more excellent young people to join the jade carving industry.


  • Build Exchange Platforms: Regularly organize jade carving art exhibitions, seminars, and international exchange activities to promote communication and cooperation among domestic and international jade artists, broadening horizons and stimulating inspiration.


  • Promote Market Diversification: In addition to the traditional collection market, jade carving art should actively expand into cultural and creative products, fashion accessories, and other fields, allowing jade carving art to better integrate into modern life and expand its audience.


  • Promote Jade Culture: Through various media forms, deeply explore and disseminate the rich connotations of jade culture, allowing more people to understand and appreciate jade, thereby better understanding and supporting the development of jade carving art.


Jade carving art is an ancient yet vibrant art form. It embodies the aesthetic tastes and philosophical wisdom of the Chinese nation and is bound to shine even brighter in the new era. As a jade carver, I will continue to uphold the spirit of craftsmanship and, together with my colleagues, contribute to the prosperity and development of jade carving art. Thank you all!