Stone carving (chrysanthemum stone carving)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: stone carving (chrysanthemum stone carving)

Applicant: Hunan Institute of Arts and crafts

Project No.: 832

Project No.: Ⅶ - 56

Time of publication: 2011 (the third batch)

Category: traditional art

Region: Hunan Province

Type: Extension Project

Applicant: Hunan Institute of Arts and crafts

Protection unit: Hunan Institute of Arts and crafts

Introduction to stone carving (chrysanthemum stone carving)

Applicant: Hunan Institute of Arts and crafts

Chrysanthemum stone carving is based on chrysanthemum stone produced in Yonghe Town, Liuyang City, Hunan Province.

Chrysanthemum stone is a kind of precious natural stone, which was formed in the early Permian about 270 million years ago. The color is gray or grayish black, and the chrysanthemum like white patterns are naturally generated on it. The patterns are pure white and crystal clear, which is very interesting. According to geologists, Liuyang chrysanthemum stone is a kind of calcium carbonate aggregate with chert structure as the core. The calyx part is hard siliceous chert, and the petal part is a radial crystalline aggregate filled with calcium carbonate along the limestone cracks. The calyx has single core, double core, three core and no core, which is similar to the shape of Stevia bambusoides, Anemone Hydrangea, Dendranthema purpurea and Dendranthema fortunei. The sculptors use the characteristics of chrysanthemum stone to carve the chrysanthemum into different shapes.

Chrysanthemum stone carving has a long history. It has become a tribute to the court in the Qing Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, most of the chrysanthemum stone carvings were used as small stationery utensils, such as stone inkstones. There are many kinds of chrysanthemum stone inkstones in the inner government. The large ones are nearly half feet, and the small ones are about seven or eight inches. By the end of Qing Dynasty, chrysanthemum stone carving had flower screen, mirror screen, large vase, rockery, desktop, chair surface and other products. Some of his works were awarded medals in the exhibition of Nanyang Business Association in 1910 and Panama International Exposition in 1915.

Chrysanthemum stone carving techniques include flat carving, relief carving, round carving, line carving, hollow carving, three-dimensional carving, comprehensive carving and other processing techniques. Because of the material modeling, each chrysanthemum stone carving handicraft is a unique treasure. In recent years, the raw materials of chrysanthemum stone are increasingly scarce, and the traditional craft of chrysanthemum stone carving is in danger.