Su Yanggong, a famous Chinese engraver

The value of jade is closely related to its exquisiteness and the degree of its carving. As the saying goes, three parts water and seven parts carving, the carving of jade is also a factor in measuring the value of a piece of jade. In the jade industry, there are four major schools, namely Jieyang craftsmanship, Suyang craftsmanship, Ruili craftsmanship and Sihui craftsmanship, each of which has its own characteristics. In the previous articles, Xiao Chuang introduced Jieyang University and Ruili University. Next, let’s take a look at Suyang University.

Suyang craftsmanship refers to the characteristics of jade carvings by people from the Suzhou and Yangzhou areas. To sum it up in four words: precise, detailed, elegant and clean. Suyang craftsmanship has a long history, so the antique craftsmanship is relatively more exquisite, with excellent workmanship and delicate carving. The characteristics of Su craftsmanship are its profound cultural heritage and very classical charm. Su craftsmen generally use a method where one side is relief and the other side is yin-yang carving.

The words "long-standing" and "excellent" are the most appropriate to describe Suyang craftsmanship. The characteristics of Su craftsmanship are its profound cultural heritage and very classical charm. Su craftsmen generally use a method where one side is relief and the other side is yin-yang carving. The relief works have smooth lines, the knife is used steadily, and the depth of the lines is freely outlined, which can give the relief image a strong three-dimensional effect. The works pursue ingenuity and integrate Chinese and Western art.

Su Gong masters have many years of experience in copying ancient sculptures and are experts in antique imitation. From their works, one can appreciate the rich traditional cultural connotations and truly achieve "objects carry the truth and jade cultivates virtue."

Characteristics of Suyang jade carving: layered tail, axe-shaped elbow, and spiral pattern. The antique piece has all the typical textbook details. The head of a jade carving is usually in the shape of a regular triangle and is definitely smaller than the widest part of the shoulder blade of the body. Moreover, the hips and shoulders of the front and rear limbs must be larger than the abdominal line of the body.

The characteristics of Suyang jade carving. The standard mane + brow combination. It is a very representative mark. The characteristics of the nose wings in jade carvings are that the snout is protruded after the improvement of Shanghai style craftsmanship, while the nose wings of the Pixiu made by authentic Suyang craftsmanship are very small, and the nostrils may be just two small dots.