Fangcheng Stone Carvings

Fangcheng Stone Carvings

　　Produced in Fangchenggang, Guangxi.

Fangcheng stone carvings are crafted from locally sourced stones through carving and processing. The stones feature a rich array of colors, vibrant and varied textures, a smooth and lustrous quality akin to jade, along with moderate hardness, making them ideal for carving. The craftsmanship of Fangcheng stone carvings involves two main steps: the first is stone selection, where the stone is repeatedly observed and studied to understand the distribution of its patterns and grain, the direction of color placement and variation, areas of impurity, flaws, cracks, as well as the overall volume and form characteristics of the material. The stone is examined and compared from various angles to identify all sides, both frontal and lateral. Then, theme conception is carried out, refined through repeated deliberation, imperfections are removed, and favorable color variations are skillfully utilized. Finally, the matured design concept is drawn into sketches or made into clay models. This step is crucial and determines the success or failure of the stone carving’s quality. The second step is carving, where a mechanical rough cut and polishing are performed first, followed by both mechanical and hand-carving techniques. The finished pieces are elegant and unique, with natural colors, graceful shapes, and vivid, lifelike details.