Overview of Wood Carving
Chinese wood carving art has a long history and exquisite craftsmanship, forming an essential part of traditional Chinese crafts. From ancient architectural decorations to daily utensils, wood carving art demonstrates the wisdom and creativity of Chinese artisans through its unique design and profound cultural connotations.
Major Schools
Dongyang Wood Carving
Zhejiang Dongyang wood carving is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and complex patterns, primarily used in architectural decoration and furniture making, excelling in openwork and relief carving.
Longyan Wood Carving
Fujian Longyan wood carving is known for its unique material and realistic style, specializing in human and animal subjects with vivid and expressive portrayals.
Chaozhou Wood Carving
Guangdong Chaozhou wood carving incorporates Lingnan cultural characteristics, famous for its delicate craftsmanship and rich themes, equally emphasizing architectural decoration and utensil carving.
Boxwood Carving
Using boxwood as material, famous for its fine texture and tough quality, primarily used in creating small carved artworks.
Carving Techniques
Main Techniques
- Round Carving: Full three-dimensional carving, viewable from 360 degrees
- Relief Carving: Raised carving on a flat surface, creating depth
- Openwork Carving: Creating effects combining solid and void through piercing
- Bas-relief: Shallow raised decorative carving on surfaces
- Intaglio: Patterns carved into the wood surface
- Through Carving: Complete penetration openwork carving
Artistic Characteristics
- Material Selection: Emphasis on wood texture, grain, and color
- Diverse Techniques: Integration of various carving methods and artistic expressions
- Rich Themes: Covering figures, landscapes, flowers, birds, and objects
- Cultural Connotations: Embodying profound traditional cultural meanings