Night Shanghai, more than just a neon-lit Bund, is a melting pot where traditional Chinese culture and Western art intertwine. In this vibrant city, jade carving, like a hidden treasure, has undergone centuries of refinement, giving birth to a unique school – the “Shanghai-style carving.” As an ancient jade collector, whenever I caress a piece of warm Shanghai-style jade carving, I can always feel the profound cultural heritage and artisan spirit hidden behind its exquisite elegance.
The rise of “Shanghai-style carving” was not accidental; it is closely linked to the modern history of Shanghai. In the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, with the opening of Shanghai as a treaty port, a large number of jade workshops and businesses moved from Suzhou, Yangzhou, Beijing, or established branches there. These jade carvers from different regions brought their respective skills and styles. However, Shanghai's unique cultural atmosphere, characterized by its inclusiveness and openness, allowed these traditional techniques to be integrated and elevated. At that time, wealthy merchants, literati, and gentry in Shanghai had an increasing demand for jade articles, not only pursuing the preciousness of the material but also valuing exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design. This market demand greatly promoted the development of Shanghai's jade carving industry.
The prominent feature of “Shanghai-style carving” lies first in its “refinement, meticulousness, elegance, and ingenuity.” It is not as grand and magnificent as northern jade carving, nor as bold and unrestrained as southern jade carving. Instead, it is renowned for its delicate and intricate carving techniques, rigorous composition, and clever use of jade material characteristics. For example, in figure carving, “Shanghai-style carving” emphasizes the expression of spirit and charm, with flowing drapery and vivid facial expressions; in themes of flowers, birds, fish, and insects, it pursues both form and spirit, with meticulously carved flower petals and bird feathers, all lifelike. Behind this lies the artisans' relentless pursuit of perfection in tools and repeated honing of their skills. They often use various small carving knives, drills, and even self-made tools to achieve extreme detail.
From historical anecdotes, we can also glimpse the ingenuity of “Shanghai-style carving.” During the Republic of China era, a jade carving master named Lu Zigang (this Lu Zigang is not the Ming Dynasty Lu Zigang, but a highly skilled jade carving master from the Republic of China period, often referred to as “Little Lu Zigang” by later generations) combined the “Zigang牌” style of Suzhou with Shanghai's aesthetic taste through his exquisite skills, creating many exquisite jade plaques. His works, with smooth lines and meticulous composition, often depicted landscapes, figures, poetry, and prose within a small area, and were highly sought after by collectors. These works were not only exquisite artworks but also a microcosm of the social and cultural landscape of the time.
Another important characteristic of “Shanghai-style carving” is the integration of “Haipai” culture. It is not confined to tradition but boldly incorporates elements of Western art, such as Cubism and Realism. In some modern jade carving works, we can even see the perspective composition and light and shadow treatment of Western painting. This openness and innovativeness allow “Shanghai-style carving” to maintain its traditional charm while possessing a strong sense of the times and artistic vitality. This cultural fusion has enabled “Shanghai-style carving” to gain a foothold on the international stage, becoming a window to showcase the unique charm of Chinese jade culture.
However, with the changing times, “Shanghai-style carving” also faced challenges. In the mid-20th century, under the planned economy, the jade carving industry was once centralized, which, while ensuring production, weakened artistic individuality and innovation. After the reform and opening up, with the resurgence of the market economy and the increasing identification with traditional culture, “Shanghai-style carving” regained its vitality. A group of older generation jade carving masters, such as Gu Yongjun and Liu Zhongrong, inherited tradition and dared to innovate, pushing “Shanghai-style carving” to new heights. They not only strived for perfection in their skills but also focused on exploring cultural connotations and improving artistic taste.
Today, the inheritance and development of “Shanghai-style carving” are not only reflected in the exquisite works of masters but also in the exploration and innovation of younger generations of jade carvers. They utilize modern technology, such as 3D modeling and laser engraving, to assist in design, but the core carving techniques and understanding of jade material still rely on traditional manual operation and the unity of heart and hand. The Shanghai Jade Carving Museum, various jade carving exhibitions, and the emergence of jade carving art education institutions all provide a solid platform for the inheritance of “Shanghai-style carving.”
In my opinion, “Shanghai-style carving” is not just an exquisite craft; it is also a carrier of the Chinese nation's aesthetic taste, artisan spirit, and cultural confidence. Each piece of “Shanghai-style carving” tells a story, carries an emotion, and embodies the wisdom and sweat of generations of jade carvers. When we appreciate them, we are not just appreciating the warm luster of the jade, but also savoring the cultural charm that transcends time and feeling the unique allure of “moon over the sea, craftsmanship in jade carving.” May this unique artistic treasure continue to shine brightly under the new era, passed down through generations, and forever retain its unique splendor.