Jade Carving Steps

The general steps of jade carving require several processes: selection of materials, digging out the dirt and removing the locks, designing (drawing), rough carving (making a big shape), fine carving (carving with fine details), fine-tuning and finishing, grinding and polishing, and so on.

1. Selecting materials, digging out dirt and removing locks: Jade materials, especially gravel jade materials that have been abraded by river water, often have a layer of oxidized layer on the surface, in addition to cracks and how the texture extends, you need to have some understanding before carving, so that the design of the carving can be done well. Of course, the good skin of jade, can not be peeled off at will, sometimes you can use the different colors of the surface of the jade design carving can be a good color of jade, improve the value of jade.

2. Design (drawing work): Generally speaking, the designer often designs the carving theme according to the color, penannularity, texture and shape of the jade material, and chooses the theme suitable for the characteristics of the jade material, first of all, to maximize the use of the jade material, according to the penannularity and the shape of the jade material, and design, and not to waste the jade material; to use the color well, so as to produce the best effect; and try to discard the locks of cracks and dirty and other blemishes on the jade pieces.

3. Rough Carving: Rough carving is also known as making an embryo, i.e., carving the jade material into shape according to the design requirements, so as to achieve the basic shape of the designed jade carving initially. Rough carving is very important, and this process is the basis for the success of the entire jade carving. Once the jade is carved, the abated part of the material can never be added back, which can be described as "the water can't be retrieved", so one should be careful before laying down the knife.

4. Fine Carving: Fine carving, as its name implies, means careful carving. After the overall outline is roughly carved, it must go through the important process of fine carving in order to complete the carving of the work. The purpose of fine carving is to further refine the jade carving shape; to make the carving pattern clear, to achieve the required carving effect of each part, and to shape the different textures of each part.

5. Polishing: Polishing is a very important and irreplaceable part of jade carving. No matter how you carve and polish, the surface of the jade piece is always rough, showing the beauty of the jade crystal, only perfect polishing can make the jade show a warm and smooth appearance, can make the jade have a noble temperament, and can show the real value of the jade work.

6, fine-tuning trimming, engraving and inscription: the final trimming is not necessary, but sometimes it is really vital. This is because some faults in the design and production process go undetected and need to be repaired after polishing. In addition, the designer or maker may need to inscribe the jade carving, which usually needs to be done after the work is finished.

Advantages of Jade Carving

1, texture and aesthetics: Jade has a unique texture and luster, and after fine carving it can present a delicate, soft and warm touch. The surface of jade carvings can show various textures, patterns and colors, making the artwork more beautiful and eye-catching.

2. Durability and value preservation: Jade has high hardness and is not easy to be scratched or worn out, with strong durability and corrosion resistance. Jade works have high value retention, and their ornamental and historical values usually increase over time.

3. Cultural and historical value: Jade has a long historical tradition in Chinese culture, and is regarded as auspicious, sacred and symbolic. Jade carvings often incorporate traditional cultural elements, such as dragons and phoenixes, birds and flowers, and figures, which have high cultural and historical value.

4, fineness and skill: Jade carving requires a high degree of professional skill and technique. By understanding and mastering jade, the carver can finely carve out a variety of complex patterns and ornaments. Jade carving works usually need to go through multiple processes and fine processing, reflecting the artist's merit and craftsmanship.