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In the realm of Chinese art, stone carvings and stone crafts hold a significant place, with a long history and diverse applications. These artistic expressions can be broadly categorized based on their function and production techniques. Common types include round sculptures, reliefs, sunken carvings, wall carvings, openwork carvings, line carvings, shadow carvings, micro-carvings, inscriptions, and more. Each category has its unique characteristics and stylistic features.
The fourth section of this chapter will provide a detailed exploration of how these stone carvings are produced, covering various methods and techniques used in the craft.
Stone carvings have been widely used throughout Chinese history, often as decorative artworks. Some of the most common uses include:
1. **Ornamental and Collectible Stone Crafts**
For thousands of years, China has produced intricate stone ornaments, including jade and colored stones. These range from ancient jade artifacts to modern decorative stones like Taihu Stone, Yuhua Stone, and Three Gorges Stone. Many of these pieces have been discovered in archaeological sites, such as those from the Yin Dynasty or the Qin Emperor's Mausoleum. Today, they remain popular for their beauty and cultural significance.
2. **Grottoes and Cliff Carvings**
The tradition of grotto and cliff carvings began during the late Han Dynasty and flourished through the Tang and Song Dynasties. These carvings are closely tied to Buddhist culture, featuring statues of Buddha and other religious figures. Famous examples include the Dunhuang, Yungang, Longmen, and Dazu Grottoes. These sites showcase not only religious imagery but also architectural elements like temples, towers, and arches.
3. **Mausoleum Stone Carvings**
These carvings, found near tombs, often depict figures such as scholars, generals, and animals. They are commonly made of marble and serve both aesthetic and symbolic purposes. Notable examples include the stone statues at the Ming Tombs in Beijing and the Confucius Temple in Qufu.
4. **Palace, House, and Garden Stone Carvings**
In imperial palaces and gardens, stone carvings are abundant. They adorn columns, gates, and walls, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The Forbidden City, Potala Palace, and Summer Palace all feature stunning examples of such art.
5. **Temple and Altar Stone Carvings**
Found in temples and shrines, these carvings often depict deities, mythical creatures, and religious scenes. Examples include the stone carvings at the Confucius Temple in Qufu and the Lama Temple in Beijing.
6. **Stone Bridge Carvings**
Bridges in China are often adorned with stone carvings, such as dragons, lions, and water beasts. The Lugou Bridge and the Dashi Bridge are famous for their detailed and artistic carvings.
7. **Stone Tablets and Inscriptions**
These include steles, monuments, and inscriptions that record historical events, poems, and calligraphy. The Xi'an Beilin Museum houses one of the largest collections of such inscriptions.
8. **Tower and Monument Stone Carvings**
Many ancient towers feature stone carvings that reflect religious and cultural themes. The Three Pagodas in Dali and the Yunju Temple Tower are notable examples.
9. **Stone Lions (Shishi)**
Stone lions are a common decorative element, often placed at entrances of palaces, temples, and homes. Their styles vary by region, with some of the most famous being the lions on the Lugou Bridge and in Tiananmen Square.
10. **Stone Paintings and Daily Life Artifacts**
This category includes inlaid murals, stone screens, and everyday items like tea sets and stationery. Modern examples include large-scale stone inlays and colorful murals.
11. **Modern Urban and Memorial Stone Carvings**
In contemporary times, cities have embraced stone carvings for public art and memorials. Monuments such as the "Monument to the People's Heroes" in Beijing highlight the enduring legacy of Chinese stone art.
These diverse forms of stone carving not only reflect artistic excellence but also serve as cultural and historical records, preserving the heritage of China’s rich artistic traditions.
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