Five great jade-carving artists in Yunnan (2)

Yu Fengye

Yu Fengye started teaching himself jade-carving in Ruili, Yunnan, in April 2003. In 2004, he learnt from Wang Junyi and in the following year, he won the title of "Ten Great Jade Sculptors of Ruili, Yunnan" and founded the Lone Moon Jade-carving Art Studio.

"Now in the jade-carving profession, almost nobody can ignore the economic benefits, but still, we can create good works that can be appreciated by both professionals and the others. It takes time for an industry to develop and to become mature; jade-carving is no exception. We should take both economical results and the essence of this art form into consideration." said Yu Fengye.

Jade carving artwork by Yu Fengye [Photo provided to Chinadaily.com.cn]

Yang Shuming

Yang Shuming was born in Tengchong, Yunnan, in 1974. Yang is China's leading jade-carving artist and has been passionate about art since childhood. The beautiful natural scenery of his hometown of Tengchong - a border town known for bamboo weaving - provides him with plenty of inspiration. Ancient-style and character sculpture are his forte. His works are exquisite and lively, combining China's southern and northern styles of jade-carving.

Yang Shuming checks the quality of jade under the light [Photo provided to Chinadaily.com.cn]

Chen Xiaoxian

35 year old Chen Xiaoxian was born in Ningde, Fujian and graduated from Ningde Craft and Art Vocational School in 1996. He comes from a long lineage of jade and stone sculptors and has developed a passion for sculpturing since childhood. He learnt Shoushan stone carving from his similarly named older brother, Chen Xiaoxing. In 2008, Chen Xiaoxian came across a new type of jade, the Yellow Dragon (Huang Long) Jade, and was fascinated – almost to an obsession - by its rich colors and fine texture.

"Thanks to its colors and texture, Huanglong Jade leaves huge room for sculptors' imagination. Its unique water grass flower, a dendritic pattern in the jade, embodies the essence of Chinese painting and captures the spirit of the depiction, making it an excellent material for sculpturing. I’m really lucky to have met this jade," said Chen Xiaoxian.

The Feng Yinxiang jade carving art work by Chen Xiaoxian [Photo provided to Chinadaily.com.cn]

Edited by Jacob Hooson