"If jade is not carved, it will not become a useful object." Jade carving is an important factor in measuring the value of jade. The transformation from a hard stone to a beautiful jade lies in the carving.

But many people think that jade carving is a very simple thing, then you are wrong. Jade carving represents the thoughts and style of the sculptor to a certain extent, and each sculptor's work is different.

#What is Jade Carving

Jade carving integrates the expressive techniques of traditional Chinese stone carving, painting, calligraphy and other arts, and emphasizes the natural, smooth and vivid composition.

Whether it is the rich shapes, exquisite techniques or varied styles, jade carvings are unparalleled. These jade carvings are famous all over the world and are known as " a wonder of oriental art ."

Jade carving applies the principle of subtraction. The volume of the raw material cannot be increased but can only be reduced. Unlike painting and calligraphy, it is not like painting or calligraphy where one can freely choose the expression method . Instead, it is subject to certain restrictions.

In addition, sculpture also needs to pay attention to its strengths and avoid its weaknesses . Chinese art pursues the use of form to express spirit, and conveying spirit is the ultimate goal . Only by infusing it with vitality can the work be full of vitality.

#Four major schools of jade carving

Good carving can turn ordinary jade materials into treasures. In the jade carving industry, there are four major schools, namely Jieyang, Suyang, Ruili and Sihui , each with its own characteristics.

The characteristics of Jieyang craftsmanship are exquisiteness, fineness and precision . First of all, Jieyang craftsmanship will not sacrifice the details for the whole and will never tolerate the existence of defects.

Secondly, Jieyang craftsmanship is very delicate. Even the smallest raw material will be carved with great patience and time. Finally, it is very precise and many small details in the work are strictly controlled .

The characteristic of Suyang craftsmanship is that it has a very classical charm . Su craftsmanship generally uses a relief on one side and a yin-yang carving on the other side.

Master Sugong masters have many years of experience in copying ancient sculptures . From their works, one can experience the rich traditional culture.

Compared with the other three, Ruili craftsmanship is more innovative . It has rich themes and unique style, which enriches the types of jade carvings. Not only that, Ruili craftsmanship pursues naturalness and will retain part of the appearance of the raw materials in the carving.

Sihui craftsmen have absorbed the stone carving techniques of Fujian, focusing on smallness, speed and agility , pursuing resemblance and speed, saving a lot of time and labor costs.

#Skin carving in jade carving

In addition to the four major schools mentioned above, there is also a special art form in jade carving, that is, carving with the skin . Many high-quality jade raw materials are still valuable even after peeling and carving, and many carvers choose to carve with the skin in order to create surprising works.

This form can better show the texture of jade, making it appear delicate and moist against the skin . If many not-so-outstanding materials can meet a good sculptor, the value of this material can be multiplied several times.

Skin carving tests the creativity and skills of the sculptor . Through observation of the original stone and his own ideas, he can create more patterns for the jade, making it unique.

Every piece of jadeite raw stone hopes to be endowed with unique charm , and the carver is the creator. When collecting a piece of jadeite, while paying attention to the "type, color, and water", the carving craftsmanship should also be taken seriously .

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