In China, jade (玉) serves as one of the nation’s oldest symbols of virtue and nobility. For years, jade carvers have produced beautiful artworks, because of their exquisite skills and complicated techniques passed down from generation to generation. Among China’s wide-ranging styles of jade carving, Beijing’s is one of the most famous and recognized worldwide for its use of imperial (皇家的) elements.
Jade carving originated in the Yuan Dynasty. In the succeeding dynasty, the Ming, the court gathered skilled jade carvers from all over the nation to create the finest of products for the imperial family, lifting the art to new heights. During the Qing Dynasty, jade became especially popular in Beijing, and the carving skill reached its peak. After the Qing, the craft continued to flourish, with thousands of people pouring their creativity into the jade carving industry. In 2008, Beijing’s particular practices were listed as national intangible cultural heritage.
Zhang Tiecheng is a third-generation Beijing jade carving inheritor (继承人). In 1983, when the technical school attached to the Beijing Jade Factory began to enroll students, Zhang decided to try his luck. After four years of training, he graduated and started working at the factory. Through pure diligence and perseverance, he gradually became a master of the carving art. The year 2008 was a significant one for Zhang. Chinese jade art was introduced internationally through the “Chinese Seal” Olympic symbol and the jade-carved medals. Zhang participated in the design of both. They combined white jade with gold, a light greenish jade with silver, and a gray shade of jade with bronze to make the medals present that perfect combination of truthfulness and virtue.
Following his Olympic work, Zhang was invited to restore (修复) the jade decorations in the Palace Museum. During this assignment, Zhang couldn’t help but feel sad as he realized how the once successful jade artistry was slowly disappearing from its once celebrated stage. As an inheritor of Beijing jade carving, Zhang has added modern artistic elements into this traditional skill. He now hopes more young people can take up the craftsmanship so it can continue to flourish (繁荣)) for many years to come.
【小题1】What is special about Beijing jade carving?| A．It involves many royal elements. |
| B．It shows the life of people in Beijing. |
| C．It is the most popular jade carving in the world. |
| D．It covers all the styles of jade carving in China. |
| A．Its role in China. | B．Its value of appreciation. |
| C．Its carving process. | D．Its history. |
| A．Master Zhang has great talent for jade carving. |
| B．Chinese jade culture has been combined with modern sports events. |
| C．Zhang’s design of Olympic medals won lots of awards. |
| D．The jade-carved medals were greatly admired by foreign athletes. |
| A．The design of art forms. | B．The inheritance of the traditional skill. |
| C．The benefits of the jade industry. | D．The restoration of jade works. |
