Root carving explained

Root carving is a traditional Chinese art form that involves carving and polishing tree roots into various artistic creations.[1]

History

Root carving has been practiced for centuries. Like many other artistic crafts, root carvings were initially created using primitive techniques. The earliest root carvings are “辟邪” and “角形器” from the Warring States period.

In the Sui and Tang dynasties, root carving prevailed among the general public and the governing class. In the Tang dynasty, people emphasized the natural forms of roots, cleverly taking advantage of the effect of corroded and moth-eaten material.

Root carvings were also typical in grottoes and temples during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Roots were used to carve Buddha statues, which contrasted favorably with clay.

Features

Root carving preserves the natural beauty of roots, allowing artists—both ancient and modern—to create vivid, lifelike works by emphasizing the roots' natural forms.[1] Carvings may be of artistic or practical value, with subjects ranging from depictions of mythological stories to coffee tables.[2]

Root carving is distinct from engraving. Although its aesthetic principles share common ground with engraving, root carving uniquely applies their shared expressive techniques. Root carving and engraving share expressive techniques with wood carving, sculpture, and stone carving. However, root carving places a focus on enhancing and preserving the natural shape of the roots, in addition to artificial polishing. Root carving is guided by the inherent qualities of the root rather than by strictly carving images.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

Notes and References

  1. Zhao . Zinan . Bao. Geriletu. Artistic Style Analysis of Root Carving Visual Image Based on Texture Synthesis . Mobile Information Systems . 16 March 2022 . 2022 . 1 . 1–9 . 10.1155/2022/5190339 . free .
  2. Ruan . Yuan. Wang. Mingliang. Wang. Ruei-Yuan. Chen. Ho-Sheng. Hsieh. Ya-Hui . Analysis of the Path of Art Education in Township Primary Schools Based on ARCS Motivation Model: Example of Yangchun Root-Carving Intangible Cultural Heritage in Guangdong Province . International Journal of Teaching, Learning and Education . 28 Feb 2024 . 3 . 1 . 12–23 . 10.22161/ijtle . 5 November 2024.
  3. Web site: 根雕艺术的特点 . News.genpen.com . 2010-03-07 . 2011-09-22 . 2011-10-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111028103828/http://news.genpen.com/genyi/jieshao/9661.html . dead .
  4. Web site: 根雕艺术发展史 . Gzzhuhai.com . 2011-06-23 . 2011-09-22 .
  5. Web site: 2010-12-05 . 根雕艺术（三）图1_树木果实_天极图片 . 2011-09-22 . Pic.yesky.com.
  6. Web site: 2010-12-05 . 根雕艺术（三）图2_树木果实_天极图片 . 2011-09-22 . Pic.yesky.com.
  7. Web site: 新华网湖北频道 . 2024-10-23 . www.hb.xinhuanet.com.
  8. Web site: 2010-05-11 . 用树根雕塑人生-健康平安网 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120402182421/http://www.jkpa.net/news_show.php?nid=740l . 2012-04-02 . 2011-09-22 . Jkpa.net.
  9. Web site: 2011-08-23 . 缅甸黄金樟树瘤 让根雕艺术焕发无穷魅力 树瘤- 红木知识、红木种类 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110905040355/http://www.sh1800.net/hongmu/woodintro/960.htm . 2011-09-05 . 2011-09-22 . Sh1800.net.
  10. Web site: 根雕艺术你了解吗 - 头头外挂网 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120325211006/http://www.tynet.gov.cn/HXTou/gdysnljm_4/ . 2012-03-25 . 2011-09-24 . Tynet.gov.cn.
  11. Web site: 2011-03-25 . 四川芦山第四届根雕艺术节开幕_四川新闻网-雅安频道 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120402182424/http://ya.newssc.org/system/20110325/001211581.html . 2012-04-02 . 2011-09-22 . Ya.newssc.org.
  12. Web site: 嵊州新闻网-中国根雕艺术精品展 . 2011-09-22 . Sznews.zjol.com.cn.

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