I am Chen Zhigang, and I have been immersed in the jade industry for over thirty years. From my early days as an apprentice to now managing a jade carving studio, I have witnessed the ebbs and flows of Chinese jade carving art firsthand. Throughout these years, a question has constantly occupied my thoughts: In this era of rapid development, how can jade carving art both uphold its traditions and embrace new life? Today, I wish to share my reflections and practices on "upholding tradition and embracing innovation" within the realm of jade carving art.

I. What is "Upholding Tradition"? – The Roots and Soul of Jade Carving Art

To me, "upholding tradition" (守正) represents the roots and soul of jade carving art. It encompasses several profound meanings:

  • Integrity of Material: Jade, as the essence of heaven and earth, possesses inherent qualities of warmth, resilience, and understated elegance, which define the character of jade carving works. As carvers, we must first revere the jade itself, understanding its physical properties and cultural significance. For instance, Hetian jade's subtle warmth, the vibrant green of jadeite, or the delicate smoothness of Shoushan stone – each type of jade has its unique "temperament" and "language." When selecting materials, I never blindly pursue high prices; instead, I focus on the "spirit" of the jade and its suitability for the artwork's theme. A seemingly flawed piece of jade, in the hands of a master, can often be "transformed from decay into wonder," which precisely reflects a deep understanding of the "integrity" of the material.


  • Integrity of Craftsmanship: Jade carving techniques have been passed down for thousands of years, from line carving, relief carving, round carving, and openwork carving to intricate color-matching techniques. Each method embodies the wisdom of ancient artisans. These traditional crafts are the foundation of our existence. I often tell my apprentices, "Fundamental skills are the lifeline of a jade carver." For example, when carving a Guanyin statue, the fluid drapery, the compassionate facial expression, and the solemn hand gestures all require profound mastery of line carving and relief carving. I once encountered a young carver who blindly pursued "novelty" but neglected the most basic line treatment, resulting in a work that lacked charm. This demonstrates that meticulous attention to traditional craftsmanship is the cornerstone of "upholding tradition."


  • Integrity of Thought: Jade carving art is not merely a skill; it is also a vessel for culture and philosophy. It embodies the aesthetic tastes, philosophical thoughts, and moral values of the Chinese nation. Whether it's the Confucian idea of "a gentleman likens virtue to jade" or the Taoist wisdom of "following nature," these are deeply integrated into jade carving works. When creating, I often study ancient texts, drawing inspiration from traditional culture. For example, I once created an ornament titled "Mountain and Water Clear Sound," inspired by Song Dynasty landscape paintings. By utilizing the layered texture of jade and the art of negative space, it expressed the "unity of heaven and humanity" concept in traditional Chinese culture, which is an embodiment of the "integrity" of thought.


II. What is "Innovation"? – Seeking Breakthroughs Within Tradition

"Innovation" is not about blindly pursuing novelty or difference; it is about breakthroughs and development built upon the foundation of "upholding tradition." It is the driving force behind the rejuvenation of jade carving art.

  • Expansion of Themes: Traditional jade carving themes primarily include mythical figures, auspicious beasts, and flora and fauna. In contemporary times, we can broaden our horizons to more expansive areas. For instance, I have attempted to integrate modern urban architecture and abstract art elements into jade carving creations. My work, "Urban Rhythm," uses geometric lines and block combinations to express the rhythm of modern cities, gaining favor among many young collectors. This is not a departure from tradition but rather a capture and expression of the spirit of the times based on traditional aesthetics.


  • Exploration of Forms: Beyond traditional ornaments and pendants, jade carving art can also be integrated with contemporary lifestyles. Examples include the modernization of jade jewelry and the development of creative jade cultural products. I collaborate with designers to combine jade with different materials such as metal and wood, creating more contemporary jewelry and home decor items. This cross-disciplinary collaboration has brought jade carving art out of traditional exhibition halls and into ordinary households, expanding its application scenarios.


  • Renewal of Concepts: With technological advancements, technologies such as 3D printing and laser engraving are also entering the field of jade carving. We should not reject these new technologies but rather consider how to utilize them to assist in creation, improve efficiency, and even achieve effects that are difficult to attain with traditional handcrafting. Of course, this does not mean machines replace human hands; instead, machines serve as tools, freeing carvers' hands so they can devote more energy to creativity and meticulous carving. I have experimented with using 3D modeling technology to assist in designing complex jade carving works, which are then refined manually, ensuring both precise form and retaining the warmth of handcraftsmanship.


III. Case Study: My Path of "Upholding Tradition and Embracing Innovation"

One piece in my studio is titled "Lotus Pond Moonlight." This work utilizes a piece of Hetian jade seed material with natural contrasting colors. The white part of the jade is carved into bright moonlight and blooming lotus flowers, while the natural black parts of the material are cleverly designed as lotus leaves and reflections in the pond. In terms of technique, I employed traditional relief and openwork carving, meticulously rendering the veins of the lotus leaves and the petals of the lotus flowers with lifelike detail. However, the innovation lies in not limiting the work to a traditional flat composition. Instead, through clever perspective and depth-of-field treatment, I created a three-dimensional spatial sense, as if the viewer is immersed in a moonlit lotus pond. Furthermore, the base of the work uses modern, minimalist ebony wood, creating a contrast with the classical charm of the jade carving, highlighting the piece's refinement and contemporary feel. This work, embodying both the artistic conception of traditional culture and the expression of modern aesthetics, is a microcosm of my philosophy of "upholding tradition and embracing innovation."

IV. Conclusion and Recommendations: Jade Carving Art for the Future

The future of jade carving art lies in "upholding tradition and embracing innovation." "Upholding tradition" is the foundation, the profound heritage; "innovation" is the branches and leaves, the vitality. The two are interdependent and indispensable.

For young jade carvers, my advice is:

  • Settle down and diligently practice fundamental skills: Without a solid foundation, all innovation is a castle in the air. Observe, learn, and practice extensively, drawing nourishment from tradition.


  • Broaden your horizons and embrace diverse cultures: Engage with various art forms, seeking inspiration from painting, sculpture, architecture, and even technology.


  • Maintain reverence and respect the material: Every piece of jade has its own life; be adept at discovering its beauty rather than forcibly altering it.


  • Reflect the times and express yourself: Jade carving art should not be a replica of antiques but rather a reflection of the spirit of the times. Use your own understanding and insights to create works with personal style and the imprint of the era.


I believe that as long as we jade carvers can uphold tradition and bravely innovate, Chinese jade carving art will undoubtedly shine with even greater brilliance in the global art world!