Can art be created on the tip of a knife? Exquisite ivory carving

The original ivory with carved floral patterns is located in the exhibition hall of the second chapter of Chinese Maritime Civilization of the National Museum of Oceanography. The arc is 90cm long and 85.4cm long. The pattern is complex and delicate, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and rich local characteristics.

Ivory carving has always been the most famous craft in Guangzhou. It reached its peak in the Ming and Qing dynasties, forming a style of fine workmanship and exquisiteness, especially hollow carving. Ivory products come from overseas and are popular in the West through exquisite craftsmanship. This work is carved with the shape of the original ivory as the outline, and the overall ground is carved with floral patterns, forming a state of "flowers without leaving the ground".

Ivory, in a narrow sense, refers to the tusks of male elephants. In a broad sense, it can also refer to the tusks or bones of other animals (such as hippopotamus, wild boars, walruses, whales, etc.). It is an organic substance with a smooth and clear surface like jade, fine and regular texture, and easy to carve. The homonym of "elephant" is "auspicious", so ivory also symbolizes auspiciousness in Chinese folk. There is also a saying among the people that ivory has the function of preventing poison and exorcising evil spirits. It is often processed into works of art, jewelry or jewellery.

(The picture of "Ming Dynasty Ivory Character Story Melon-Shaped Box" comes from the Internet)

China's ivory carving has a long history of more than 7,000 years. It is listed as one of the four major Chinese handicrafts along with jade carving, enamel and lacquer carving. Ivory carving can be divided into two schools in terms of skills. The northern school is represented by Beijing, mainly focusing on relief, round carving and flat carving. The southern school is represented by Guangzhou, mainly using hollow carving techniques such as fish, painted boats and ivory balls, which are fine, neat and exquisite.

(Ivory-carved phoenix-shaped dagger, Neolithic Age, picture from the Internet)

After the opening of the first port to foreign trade, Guangzhou became the only port for foreign trade, which led to the import of ivory from Southeast Asia and other places, providing sufficient raw materials for ivory carving. Guangzhou has a warm and humid climate, and ivory is not easy to crack, which is suitable for making drilled and openwork works. Guangzhou ivory carvings are mainly divided into three categories: one is ivory balls, painted boats, figures, pen holders, screens, birds and animals and other appreciation items; the second is chopsticks, combs, seals, snuff bottles, bottles, cigarette holders, lamps, powder boxes and other daily necessities; the third is bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, pins and other decorations.

Since the 1980s, the World Wildlife Conservation Organization has gradually banned the hunting and trading of ivory and its products worldwide, and it has been well implemented. my country has begun to conduct protective research on ivory carvings in accordance with laws and regulations. In 2006, Guangzhou ivory carvings and Beijing ivory carvings were selected into the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List.

China's ivory carving has a long history and exquisite craftsmanship. The development of the Maritime Silk Road and economic and cultural exchanges among various regions have led to the emergence of a large number of more distinctive ivory carvings. While it leads us to witness that glorious history, it also warns us to keep pace with the times and focus on appreciating the craftsmanship in museums, exhibition halls and other institutions rather than in transactions.