History of Zhoushan Shell Carving Products

Shell carving technology, with shells rich in coastal areas as the basic raw materials, is made into exquisite and unique works of art and tourist souvenirs by artists' meticulous carving, polishing and anti-corrosion treatment. Zhoushan shell carving once created the glory of winning the World Expo, but it also experienced the dilemma of almost falling under the impact of market economy. In 2000, the Municipal Tourism Products Research Institute undertook the important task of inheriting shell carving technology. Although the shell carving technology has been preserved, it still needs efforts to reproduce its glory. Zhoushan traditional shell carving technology has a history of nearly a hundred years. According to historical records, in 19 17, Dinghai set up Zhejiang aquatic product manufacturing model factory, set up shell button department, and made mother-of-pearl buttons in small batches with mussel shells as raw materials. 1930, the mother-of-pearl button was presented to visitors as one of the gifts at West Lake International Expo. According to the minutes of the meeting, "all the recipients are happy."

After liberation, Zhoushan is the manufacturing base of shell carving art in China, and its works have been selected by the state for many times to some heads of state and politicians. In the sixties and seventies of last century, shell carving techniques prevailed in Zhoushan, and shell carving works were collected by many collectors or used as high and medium-grade gifts. In 1980s, due to various reasons, shell carving production enterprises closed down and artists lost. By the end of last century, shell carving technology was almost lost. Since 2000, the Municipal Tourism Products Research Institute has carried out rescue protection for the traditional craft of shell carving, arranged special venues, purchased equipment, and convened old artists to inherit, help and take care of young workers. Shell carving techniques with Zhoushan marine cultural characteristics have been initially restored, and shell carving has become one of the few folk handicrafts in Zhoushan.

In 2000, our city's "marine life" series of shell sculptures (paintings) were awarded as "provincial new excellent tourist commodities". In 2005, "Shell Carving Gift" won the Excellence Award in the evaluation of tourist souvenirs and handicrafts in Zhejiang Tourism Fair. On June 65438+ 10, 2008, "Shell Pendant" won the "Best Creative Award" in the fifth Zhejiang Tourism Fair Cultural Tourism Commodities Exhibition.

In the City Tourism Products Research Institute, the reporter saw a framed painting with the sea view of Putuo Mountain as the background, which was made of mussel shells and mussel shells as raw materials, and was colored, polished and carved. The whole shell sculpture is decorated in the shape of Putuo Narcissus. The petals are plain and clean, and the green leaves are tall and straight, which looks elegant and fragrant. The other ornament is made of rice shrimp, conch and grass, and is wrapped in plastic before and after to form a long-life lock, which is full of luster and rich in seafood flavor. According to the person in charge of the Municipal Tourism Products Research Institute, shell carving products are mostly given to each other by the government or departments, and few people come to collect or buy them. Only a few foreign tourists or foreign experts are interested in these handicrafts. Although the raw materials of shell carving are widely distributed in Zhoushan, it is difficult to promote it as an industry.

It is understood that Zhoushan shell carving has applied for provincial protection projects, but the hard index of product quantity has been blocked. The reporter found that the shell carving in Dongtou, Wenzhou, which is also a shell carving, has been included in the special protection list of national folk art in this province. Wenzhou shell carving technology was also selected into the first batch of intangible cultural heritage list in Wenzhou in early February, 65438.

In addition to developing marine cultural products, the Municipal Tourism Products Research Institute integrates Buddhist cultural products and celebration gifts into the ranks of shell carving art, and contacts members of the National Arts and Crafts Industry Association to design and produce shell carving products. In the communication between government agencies and institutions, shell carving products have gradually become a cultural gift. The person in charge of the Municipal Tourism Products Research Institute said that Zhoushan shell carving should reflect the flavor of the times of Zhoushan's economic development, enhance its own value in fully tapping the characteristics of marine culture, and become a business card for Zhoushan's foreign cultural exchange.