Appreciation of Ming and Qing Wood Carvings - (Set of Two Volumes)

Author: Dong Hongquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: The history of wood carving can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. The wood-carved fish unearthed from the Hemudu Site in Yuyao, Zhejiang, dating back approximately 7,000 to 5,000 years ago, are currently the earliest known wood-carving artworks in Chinese history. Although these carvings are simple in form and rough in craftsmanship, they already demonstrate a relatively skilled mastery of two techniques: relief carving () and incision carving (). Relief carving involves using shallow techniques to carve raised lines on wood, while incision carving uses hard, flat tools to draw various recessed lines on the wood. The incision carving of the Liangzhu culture that followed the Hemudu culture represents the peak of Neolithic incision carving techniques. Whether rough and concise or delicate and dense, they all reveal exquisite skills in controlling tension and relaxation, with a balanced and flexible approach. The golden age of wood carving was during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The main schools of Ming and Qing wood carving are primarily divided into the Chaozhou and Dongyang schools.