When it comes to jade carving, do you prefer hand carving or machine carving?

(1) “30% material, 70% workmanship”, there is a long-standing saying in the jade industry, which means that for a good jade work, 30% is about the material, and 70% is about the workmanship. Therefore, the workmanship is also an aspect that we should not ignore. In the jade industry, the effects presented by machine carving and hand carving are completely different. Some people like the precision of machine carving, while others like the elegance of hand carving, so different people have different preferences.

(2) There are two ways to carve jade: ultrasonic carving and computer carving. The ultrasonic engraving method is to use a machine to drive the mold to vibrate and rub back and forth on the surface of the jade material at an ultrasonic frequency, so that a model can be copied and pasted very quickly. The principle of computer engraving is similar to that of ultrasonic engraving, which is also repeated continuously. Most of the jade products carved by these two methods are reliefs. The advantages of machine engraving are that it saves time and effort, has low cost, and has a large output. But the disadvantage is also obvious, that is, it is very monotonous and lacks spirituality.

(3) The hand carving method is to first draw a hand-drawn picture as a template, then modify it, and then use a high-speed rotating diamond drill to carve. The hand-carving method of jade is the most essential artistic means in ancient Chinese craftsmanship. It includes many carving methods such as round carving, relief carving, and openwork carving, and has been passed down to this day. Therefore, the advantages of hand carving are uniqueness, spirituality, exquisiteness and beauty, but the disadvantages are time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive.

(4) So, how do we distinguish whether a jade product is carved by machine or by hand? The edges of carvings carved by machines are relatively uniform, without any curvature, and are flat, rigid, and unnatural, appearing rather stiff. However, hand-carved carvings will be more delicate, with curved edges, softer lines, and an overall more vivid and natural look. If you are pursuing quantity and efficiency, then machine carving will be more suitable for you. But if you are pursuing artistic beauty and naturalness, then of course hand carving is more suitable for you, especially those famous jade carvers, who have acquired such exquisite craftsmanship after years of accumulation.

(5) However, with the development of science and technology, machine carving technology is becoming more and more powerful. From the initial mold pressing, to computer numerical control engraving, to the emergence of 3D printing and its application in 3D engraving, the technology of machine engraving has become more and more mature. From jade plaques to various carvings and ornaments, one can be completed in one minute. Such a fast speed is truly amazing. Although some people say that machine engraving is good and some say it is not, it is also constantly developing. As a similar product, we should see it appear more and more in the market. But basically, good jade materials are still chosen to be carved by hand, so that they can be turned into handicrafts in the form of art.

Okay, that’s all for today. I wonder if you prefer machine carving or hand carving?

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