Jiading Bamboo Carving

Jiading Bamboo Carving

Jiading bamboo carving is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Jiading bamboo carving has a long history and was already a renowned handicraft in the Shanghai area during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Jiading bamboo carving mainly includes flat engraving and three-dimensional carving. Three-dimensional carvings are primarily made from bamboo roots, while flat engravings are done on items such as fan ribs, brush pots, and vases.

　　The carving techniques include intaglio, relief, skin carving, and mold carving, among which the “liuqing” skin carving is the most distinctive. Liuqing skin carving uses the green outer skin of the bamboo for the decorative layer and the bamboo’s inner flesh as the base, taking advantage of their color differences to carve layered images. The resulting artworks—such as calligraphy, paintings, standing screens, hanging screens—as well as practical items like cigarette boxes, pen holders, and vases—are all intricately carved with delicate lines and elegant, understated designs.

　　Jiading bamboo carving originated during the Longqing and Wanli eras of the Ming Dynasty (1567–1619 AD) and has a history of over 400 years. At that time, the development of bamboo carving craftsmanship in the Jiangnan region gave rise to two distinctive schools: the “Jinling School” and the “Jiading School,” with the latter becoming more prominent.

　　During the Qing Dynasty, Jiading County had become the center of bamboo carving artistry. The founder of the Jiading School, Zhu Songlin, was originally an accomplished poet, calligrapher, and painter. He applied brushwork techniques to his carving, demonstrating bold innovation unmatched by others. His son Zhu Xiaosong and grandson Zhu Sansong both inherited the craft. Zhu Xiaosong was highly praised for his carvings of “ancient immortals and Buddhas.” Zhu Sansong further advanced the traditional skills of his forebears, crafting figures, landscapes, grasshoppers, and birds with exquisite knife work, all of which were incredibly lifelike and brimming with freshness and vitality.

　　Later on, Jiading bamboo carving produced many renowned masters, such as Qin Yijue, Shen Dasheng, and Hou Yaozeng of the Ming Dynasty, as well as Feng Yinggu, Shi Dajing, and Zhang Xuehai of the Qing Dynasty, among others. Jiading bamboo carving flourished immensely during this period.