Boxwood carving is an important category of traditional Chinese woodcarving art, with a long history and unique artistic value. Below is a detailed introduction to boxwood carving:
I. Origin and Development
Origin: The exact origin of boxwood carving remains uncertain, but based on existing artifacts, it can be inferred that it emerged as an independent craft category no later than the Yuan Dynasty. The earliest verifiable artifact is the “Li Tieguai” (Iron-Crutch Li) figure from the second year of the Zhizheng era (1342) of the Yuan Dynasty, which is preserved in the Palace Museum in Beijing.
Development: During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, boxwood carving developed its own unique handicraft style, admired for its vivid sculptural forms and the ability to capture the essence of human characters. The late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period marked the pinnacle of boxwood carving’s development, with works characterized by simple yet sophisticated carving techniques, delicate and fluid lines, and a poetic quality.
II. Artistic Characteristics
Material: Boxwood carving uses boxwood as its raw material. Boxwood grows slowly, and its wood is tough, smooth, fine-grained, and has a solemn color, making it ideal for small round carvings.
Themes: Boxwood carving often depicts figures from Chinese folklore and mythology, such as the Eight Immortals, the God of Longevity, Guan Yu, Maitreya Buddha, and Guanyin. It also includes works featuring historical figures, court ladies, children, laborers, and portraits.
Style: Boxwood carving pieces are ancient yet elegant, exquisite and rounded, with high artistic and collectible value. The carving techniques are diverse, including round carving, openwork carving, relief carving, and sometimes incorporating inlay and split carving techniques.
III. Major Production Areas and Inheritance
Major Production Areas: Boxwood carving is prevalent in Wenzhou and Yueqing, Zhejiang Province, with Yueqing being its birthplace. Yueqing boxwood carving is known alongside Dongyang woodcarving and Qingtian stone carving as the “Three Carvings of Zhejiang.”
Inheritance: The craft of boxwood carving has a profound heritage in the folk, with many renowned master carvers emerging throughout history, such as Ye Chengrong in the late Qing Dynasty and Zhu Zichang during the Republic of China period. Their works exhibit superb craftsmanship and possess high artistic and cultural value.
IV. Collection and Preservation
Collection Value: In recent years, with the rising popularity of the collection market, the prices of boxwood carving pieces have also increased. Especially boxwood carving works from the Ming and Qing Dynasties are highly sought after by collectors due to their scarcity.
Preservation: To protect this traditional craft, the state and local governments have taken a series of measures, including listing it as a national intangible cultural heritage, establishing museums for exhibition and preservation, and encouraging collaboration among collectors and enthusiasts to enhance the protection and research of boxwood carving works.
V. Identification and Appreciation
Identification: When identifying boxwood carving works, one can assess the material, craftsmanship, and style. Authentic boxwood carving works feature superior materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and unique styles. In contrast, fakes often have flaws or deficiencies in these aspects.
Appreciation: When appreciating boxwood carving works, one can focus on the themes, shapes, carving techniques, and colors. Outstanding boxwood carving pieces often feature diverse themes, vivid and expressive shapes, delicate and smooth carving techniques, and an antique and elegant color palette. In the process of appreciation, one can sense the unique artistic charm and cultural connotation of boxwood carving.
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