Chinese Wood Carving Technology: Circular Engravure

Circular Carving, Also Known as “Free-standing Carving”

Circular carving is a sculptural technique that involves creating three-dimensional artworks detached from any background, allowing them to be appreciated from all angles. In ancient China, circular carving was an art form with a long history and exquisite craftsmanship, widely applied in jade artifacts, wood carvings, stone carvings, and other fields. Below is a comprehensive introduction to the circular carving techniques of ancient China, covering its historical development, characteristics, advantages, as well as in-depth analyses and video resources available online.

I. Historical Development of Circular Carving Techniques in Ancient China

1. Neolithic Age: The Origins of Circular Carving
   The earliest circular carvings date back to the late Neolithic period, exemplified by the jade pig-dragon of the Hongshan culture and the jade cong of the Liangzhu culture, showcasing the primitive exploration of three-dimensional carving by ancient peoples.

   These works feature simple, rugged designs and were primarily used for religious rituals or tribal totem worship.

2. Shang and Zhou Dynasties: The Maturation of Circular Carving
   Circular jade carvings from the Shang and Zhou periods, such as the jade figures and birds unearthed from the Tomb of Fu Hao, display remarkable craftsmanship. Often made from Hetian jade, these pieces combine vivid realism with symbolic meaning.

3. By this era, circular carving techniques could depict complex movements, as seen in the high-relief dragon motifs on jade archer’s rings (jade she).

4. Han Dynasty: The Pinnacle of Circular Carving Art
   Han Dynasty circular carvings, such as jade mythical beasts (bixie) and celestial horses, are characterized by fluid lines and dynamic postures. The “hair-thin carving” technique was employed to achieve intricate details.

   These jade carvings were often used in aristocratic burials, symbolizing power and wealth.

5. Tang to Ming-Qing Dynasties: Diversified Development

   • Tang Dynasty: Buddhist statues flourished, such as the Vairocana Buddha in the Longmen Grottoes, which combined circular and relief carving to create a majestic presence.

   • Ming-Qing Dynasties: Wood and stone circular carving techniques reached their zenith, as seen in Dongyang wood carvings and Shoushan stone carvings, with themes ranging from figures and animals to mythological stories.

Shang Dynasty Circular Engravure

II. Characteristics of Ancient Chinese Circular Carving Techniques

1. Strong Three-Dimensionality, 360° Viewing
   Unlike relief carvings, circular carvings can be admired from any angle. For example, the boxwood carving of the immortal Li Tieguai (housed in the Forbidden City) meticulously captures the figure’s expression and drapery.

2. Material-Adapted Artistry, Clever Use of Natural Colors
   Artisans tailored their designs to the material’s texture and color. For instance, Qingtian stone carvings utilize the stone’s natural hues to depict flowers and figures.

3. Complex Process, Multiple Steps
   Traditional circular carving involves stages such as roughing, chiseling, and polishing, as seen in the production of Shoushan stone carvings.

4. Profound Cultural Symbolism
   Circular carvings often carry auspicious meanings, such as statues of the God of Wealth symbolizing prosperity and dragon pillars representing authority.

III. Advantages of Ancient Chinese Circular Carving Techniques

1. Longstanding Heritage
   From the Hongshan culture to the Ming-Qing dynasties, circular carving evolved continuously, forming distinct schools like Fuzhou wood carving and Hui’an stone carving.

2. Strong Artistic Expression
   Capable of vividly portraying human expressions (e.g., the compassionate gaze of the Yuan Dynasty Li Tieguai statue) and dynamic postures (e.g., the galloping stance of Han Dynasty jade horses).

3. Wide Material Adaptability
   Suitable for jade, wood, ivory, bronze, and other materials, each showcasing unique artistic styles.

4. Global Influence
   During the Ming-Qing periods, Chinese circular carving techniques (e.g., Hui’an stone carvings) spread to Southeast Asia, influencing the sculptural arts of Japan, the Philippines, and beyond.

The ancient Chinese Circular Engravure technique is a treasure of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, and its three-dimensional expression, cultural connotation, and exquisite craftsmanship still influence modern carving art to this day.