Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE)
traditional crafts
National Heritage
East China
active
Dongyang wood carving from Zhejiang Province is one of China's four major wood carving traditions, known for its intricate high-relief and openwork carving techniques. Using local camphor and ginkgo wood, artisans create architectural decorations, furniture panels, and sculptural screens. Traditional themes include operatic scenes, mythical figures, and auspicious motifs. A single elaborate screen can require months of carving with dozens of specialized chisels.
Skills & Techniques
Dongyang Wood Carving expand_more
The technique of high-relief and openwork carving on camphor and ginkgo wood, creating architectural panels, furniture, and screen decorations.
Steps
- Select camphor or ginkgo wood and season for 1–2 years
- Sketch the design directly on the wood surface
- Rough out the background with a large chisel
- Carve main figures and motifs with medium chisels
- Detail faces, textures, and patterns with fine chisels
- Apply openwork (toukong) by cutting completely through the board
- Sand and apply a clear lacquer finish
Tools
flat chisel (various widths), round chisel, V-chisel, mallet, coping saw, sandpaper
Materials
camphor wood, ginkgo wood, lacquer, tung oil
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