Stone carving artworks

Stone carving artworks

　　Stone carving art flourished in the Changsha area, which is rich in unique stones. The most famous varieties include Liuyang chrysanthemum stone carvings, Changsha inkstone crystal stone carvings, and Changsha Gushan inkstones.

　　It is said that long ago, in Yonghe Town by the Liuyang River, there was a Butterfly Mountain. At the foot of the mountain lived an old scholar who grew, loved, and spoke of chrysanthemums, making them his neighbors. His only daughter was named Chrysanthemum. From a young age, she was as beautiful and moving as a chrysanthemum, with outstanding character. As she grew older, Chrysanthemum fell in love with her childhood friend, the flower boy Jushi. When the old scholar found out, he adamantly refused to allow it. In the end, Chrysanthemum and Jushi threw themselves into the river to die for love. Instantly, the Liuyang River splashed with waves, and on the bluish stones in the river pool, clusters of glistening white chrysanthemums bloomed. Bathed in the clear stream and moonlight, they told a sorrowful story. The true origin of chrysanthemum stones, however, lies in geological changes over millennia. According to scientists, over two hundred million years ago, the eastern part of Liuyang was a shallow sea. Through natural processes, small quartzite nodules formed radiating aggregates of colorless stone, which were later replaced and filled with calcium carbonate (calcite), forming petal-like stone chrysanthemums made of white calcite. Over time, shaped by wind and water, these stone chrysanthemums developed diverse and dazzling forms.

　　The discovery and crafting of chrysanthemum stones began around the Qianlong era (1736–1795) of the Qing Dynasty. After someone found these peculiar stones in the riverbed near Yonghe Town, the news reached a scholar named Ouyang Xifan. Skilled in carving, Ouyang treated the stones as treasures. He took them home, carefully studied them, and meticulously carved them based on the shapes of the flowers. Soon, an elegant and unique chrysanthemum stone inkstone appeared in his living room, attracting scholars and artists from all walks of life. The Qing-era “Liuyang County Annals” recorded: “Chrysanthemum stones can be called floral stones. They are found near Yonghe Town in the eastern part of the county. The main stream flows through Yonghe Market, where midstream stones form a ridge like an islet. There are not many flowers, but the view resembles a vortex piled with uneven shapes, intricately carved and sealed, with a pleasant dark hue. Some parts are translucent and glisten, resembling chrysanthemums with distinct sepals and petals. Some are in bud or half-bloom, which is particularly charming. When autumn comes and the water recedes, they become even more delicate and delightful.”

　　By the Guangxu era, a local named Yang Changhou officially opened the “Butian Stone” chrysanthemum stone carving workshop, mainly producing shallowly and flat-carved inkstones, mirror screens, and similar items. From the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republican period, techniques expanded to include relief carving, semi-relief, openwork, and round carving for items such as tea sets, wine cups, tea tables, tabletops, rockeries, and vases. The floral designs evolved from simple to complex. Works such as the “Four Gentlemen” (plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum), butterflies gathering chrysanthemums, bees collecting pollen, and golden pheasants among chrysanthemums became treasured pieces of arts and crafts.

　　Changsha inkstone crystal stone carvings are also highly renowned. Hunan produces abundant inkstone crystal stones, anciently known as “Chu stone” or also called “ink jade.” The stone is fine-grained, dark, and glossy. Carved into figures such as ladies, landscapes, plants, insects, birds, beasts, as well as various antique and practical vessels, inkstone crystal stone carvings feature elegant shapes, refined carving techniques, bold lines, shiny polishing, and intricate details.

　　Gushan inkstones are made from the green-patterned stone of Changsha’s Gushan. The “Qing Unified Gazetteer” states: “Gushan, seventy li west of Changsha County, produces green-patterned stone suitable for inkstones.” The “Inkstone History” also records: “Tanzhou Gushan inkstones are pale green with patterns like tangled threads. When tapped lightly, they make no sound. They absorb ink quickly and produce a glossy sheen. (Changsha)”