Jade Carver's Reference - 5 "37 Laws" of Jade Carving

If jade is not carved, it cannot become a useful object. Is there any trick to turn a piece of raw jade into an exquisite jade carving? In the long-term jade carving practice, some people have summarized 5 "three-seven" rules. Have you heard of them? The editor publishes it for reference by jade carvers.

Three points similar in appearance, seven points similar in spirit

The true meaning of carving is not to pursue perfection and realism of the image, but to be superb in expression and show the wonders of life. This also reflects the aesthetic concept of "form as expression, art as interest, and spirit as soul" in China's moderate culture.

It incorporates the idea of ​​"harmony" in the culture of the mean into the creation of jade carvings, respects the sense of harmony in the life of jade, and maximizes the display of jade's natural beauty, elegant beauty, simple beauty, and rugged beauty at the intersection of points and surfaces.

Although it is rough, it has a shape; although it is simple, it is interesting; although it is embellished, it conveys charm. 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 parts carving, seven parts jade body

Jade is the body and carvings are the clothing. The beauty of jade lies mainly in its own "body" rather than in the carvings. Carving should not damage the natural texture of jade in order to enhance its beauty.

In any work, carving can only serve as a foil and embellishment, it cannot overshadow the main subject, and certainly not put the cart before the horse; jade is seven, carving is three, and appreciating the quality of jade is the goal.

Three points of delicateness, seven points of smoothness

Delicate carving can only account for one-third of the jade body. Too much will make the work "full of knife marks" and "completely damaged." The seven-point smooth large lines are drawn with a dynamic and simple technique.

It brings out the natural beauty, dynamic beauty, masculine beauty, sense of life and youthfulness of jade without damaging 70% of the natural jade body.

Jade carving should not be too delicate, as it will waste materials and labor, and will also lose the feeling of being a whole. Therefore, jade carving does not pursue complicated lines, but rather pays attention to smooth and concise lines.

Three points auxiliary, seven points main

There is a degree to be struck in carving. Whether it is scenery or objects, use three points to embellish and set off the overall surface of the jade.

The "three" here serves the "seven". The emphasis is on jade as the main body and carvings as the paving. Most of the good works handed down from generation to generation are typical representatives of "three parts layout and seven parts focus".

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 number of holes drilled in a piece exceeds 30% of the volume of the piece, it will damage the natural beauty of the Hetian jade. Only a jade carving with harmonious proportions and balanced gravity can embody the grandeur, artistic conception, and charm of the jade carving, with no traces of "carving" and showing vitality.

Conclusion

Chinese people love jade, and this culture is deeply imprinted in their bones. Jade is a product of nature and can be likened to "Tao". Follow the way of heaven and the way will come naturally!