Revealing the secrets of hand-carved jadeite

A piece of jade rough material needs to go through more than 6 processing methods to become a fine jade object.

1. Jade

When a piece of jade arrives at a processing factory, it first has to go through this process, which is to observe the properties and various characteristics of the jade material to decide what should be made. Basically, it will be cut only after the conception of what to make is made.

2. Plastic surgery

As the name suggests, shaping is the initial process of shaping the jade material into the shape of the object to be made after cutting.

3. Design

Since the jade material may be found to be different from what was expected during the shaping process after cutting, it must be redesigned. The design at this time is decisive for the final product.

4. Carving

After the design is completed, it needs to be carved. There are many carving techniques, which are generally divided into relief, openwork, hollow carving, line carving, negative carving, round carving, etc., and can be divided into three stages: blanking, grinding, and finishing.

5. Polishing

The carving method can generally be used for all kinds of jade, but the polishing method is different. Generally, different kinds of jade have different polishing methods.

6. Sealing wax

No matter how a piece of jade is polished, there will always be uneven areas left, resulting in uneven gloss and an unpleasant visual effect. At this time, the final step of sealing with wax must be completed. Sealing wax is very simple. Generally speaking, it is to use paraffin wax to boil lightly at a low temperature, take it out, scald it with boiling water while it is hot, and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Good sealing wax will make the surface of the jade piece smooth and shiny, with beautiful and even color, which can reflect the beauty of the jade.

fcgc66

fcpf18