Hello everyone, I'm Chen Zhigang. Having been immersed in the jade industry for over thirty years, I harbor a deep passion and dedication for the art of jade carving. Today, I'd like to discuss the latest trends in jade carving art and how we can both uphold tradition and embrace innovation amidst this evolving landscape.

I. The "Change" and "Unchange" in Jade Carving Art

In my view, the core "unchange" of jade carving art lies in its embedded cultural connotations and aesthetic value. A raw jade piece, meticulously sculpted by an artisan, is not merely a transformation of material but a crystallization of culture, emotion, and philosophy. It embodies the Chinese nation's pursuit of beauty, reverence for nature, and aspiration for a better life. This spiritual value is the eternal charm of jade carving art.

However, as times evolve, so too does jade carving art. This "change" manifests across various levels, including creative concepts, technical methods, and market demands. In the past, jade carving primarily served imperial nobility or literati, emphasizing intricate detailing and auspicious symbolism. Today, with improved living standards, jade carving art is entering ordinary households. Its function has expanded from mere appreciation and collection to adornment and decoration, even becoming a form of fashion expression.

II. Digital Empowerment: "New Wings" for Traditional Craftsmanship

In recent years, my greatest focus has been on the empowerment of jade carving art through digital technology. This is not about replacing the artisan's hands but about providing "new wings" for traditional craftsmanship.

  • 3D Modeling and Design: In the past, jade carvers often had to repeatedly conceive ideas, sketch designs, and even create clay models before carving. Now, with the aid of 3D modeling software, we can present design concepts more intuitively and precisely. For example, when designing an ornament with the theme "Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity," I can use 3D software to meticulously adjust the dragon's posture, the phoenix's wings, and even pre-set different lighting effects to anticipate the final appearance of the work. This significantly shortens the design cycle and reduces trial-and-error costs.


  • Assisted Carving and Refinement: Complex geometric shapes or repetitive carvings can now be assisted by CNC carving machines. This does not mean machines replace human labor; rather, it frees artisans from tedious and repetitive tasks, allowing them to devote more energy to creative and artistic detailing. I once witnessed a young jade carver use a CNC machine to complete the initial carving of an intricate pattern, then refine it with traditional hand tools, resulting in a piece that possessed both machine precision and human warmth. This human-machine collaboration model is undoubtedly a crucial direction for the future development of jade carving.


  • Virtual Display and Dissemination: Digital technology also provides a broader platform for the display and dissemination of jade carving works. Through virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) technology, consumers can appreciate every detail of a jade carving piece from the comfort of their homes, even virtually trying it on. This not only expands the market but also allows more people to access and understand jade carving art. We recently collaborated with a technology company to 3D scan a large landscape carving and create a VR experience, allowing viewers to "step into" the miniature world of the carving through VR headsets and marvel at its exquisite craftsmanship.


III. Inheritance and Innovation: The Future Path of Jade Carving Art

Of course, digital empowerment is not a panacea. The soul of jade carving art still lies in the artisan's skill, aesthetic sense, and understanding of jade.

  • Upholding Traditional Craftsmanship: The "cleverness, vividness, uniqueness, and exquisiteness" of jade carving are inseparable from the support of traditional craftsmanship. For example, the knife techniques of "thin relief" carving, the forms of round carving, and the layering of bas-relief are all precious treasures accumulated over thousands of years. We must not abandon these foundations in pursuit of novelty. I have always emphasized that young jade carvers, while learning new skills, must also solidly master traditional techniques. Only then can they go further on the path of innovation.


  • Integrating Modern Aesthetics: For jade carving art to develop, it must keep pace with the times and integrate modern aesthetics. This includes expanding themes, innovating shapes, and utilizing colors. For example, some young designers are attempting to incorporate abstract art and minimalism into jade carving creations, breaking away from the rigid impressions of traditional jade carving and producing more modern and fashionable works that attract a younger consumer base.


  • Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Jade carving art can cross-integrate with other art forms, sparking new inspiration. For example, combining with jewelry design to create jade ornaments with greater wearable value; integrating with interior design to incorporate jade carvings into home spaces, enhancing living taste; and even combining with fashion design, anime IPs, etc., to explore more diverse forms of expression.


Conclusion and Recommendations

Jade carving art is currently in an era full of opportunities and challenges. The advent of digital technology has opened new doors for us, but we must not overlook the essence of jade carving art – the reverence for jade, the dedication to craftsmanship, and the inheritance of culture.

My recommendations are:

  • Embrace technology, but don't get lost in it. View digital technology as a tool, not an end, allowing it to better serve the creation and dissemination of jade carving art.


  • Uphold craftsmanship and inherit classics. The essence of jade carving lies in handcraft, in the warmth and emotion of the artisan, which machines cannot replicate.


  • Be open to innovation and develop diversely. Encourage young jade carvers to boldly experiment, integrate modern elements into traditional jade carving, and broaden the expressive forms and market space of jade carving art.


  • Strengthen communication and seek common development. The industry, both internally and externally, should strengthen communication and cooperation to jointly promote the prosperity and progress of jade carving art.


I believe that as long as we can both uphold tradition and embrace innovation on this path, the future of jade carving art will undoubtedly be even more brilliant and splendid. Thank you all!