The 5 "37 Laws" of Jade Carving, this one is most easily overlooked

The "Book of Rites" says, "Unless jade is carved, it cannot be made into a useful object." The so-called jade culture is actually, to a large extent, jade carving culture. In the history of thousands of years, countless jade carvers have created countless exquisite jade carvings, and have also explored and summarized a lot of jade carving experiences and rules, one of which is called the "37" rule.

Three points similar in appearance, seven points similar in spirit

This means that jade carving does not need to excessively pursue the authenticity and realism of the image, but the depiction of the expression must be meticulous. This kind of artistic thinking not only appears in jade carving, but also in other art forms.

This is a tradition with Chinese characteristics, that is, to see the big picture from the small through simple outlines, and to seek the beauty of artistic conception.

Three points of delicateness, seven points of smoothness

Jade carving should not be too delicate, as it will waste materials and labor. Too fine lines will also make the jade look "scarred" and lose the feeling of being a whole piece.

Therefore, jade carving does not pursue complicated lines, but pays attention to the smoothness and simplicity of lines.

Three-point auxiliary and seven-point main

The layout of jade carvings is also very particular. No matter whether it is a figure or a landscape, the main part only accounts for seven percent, and three percent is left as embellishment to serve as a foil.

The auxiliary part cannot be too little or too much. If it is too little, it will not play a supporting role; if it is too much, it will overshadow the main part. Many masterpieces of masters are carved according to this rule.

Three parts eyes and seven parts jade

In jade carving, drilling holes is also very particular. The location, size and number of the eyes are directly related to the proportion and perfection of the jade carving. If the holes in a piece exceed 30% of the volume of the piece, it will damage the natural beauty of the jade.

Only a jade carving with harmonious proportions and balanced gravity can embody the grandeur, artistic conception, and charm of jade carvings, with no traces of carving yet showing vitality.

Three parts skin color, seven parts jade body

Jade is the body and skin is the clothing. Jade comes first and then skin. The skin exists by relying on jade. Therefore, in carving, the beauty of jade should be highlighted and the color of skin is used as embellishment.

This is a reflection on the current excessive emphasis on skin color, and it is also the most easily overlooked.