The New Jade Age

Sublime and elegant, jade artifacts are infused with auspicious symbolism. In traditional Chinese culture, they serve not only as essential utensils but also as widely used as accessories and collectibles. However, an uncut gem does not sparkle. The true beauty of fine jade artifacts can only be revealed through the meticulous craftsmanship of skilled artisans. In the 1970s and 80s, Hong Kong was a distribution hub of jade artifacts. But as times changed, these artifacts gradually faded out, and the craft of jadeite carving is now primarily done by machines. Tam Chow-sang is one of the few local craftsmen who persist in hand-carving jade artifacts. Since becoming an apprentice at the age of 13, he has dedicated over four decades to mastering the carving of flowers and plants. From selecting the raw jade stone to conceptualizing the final product, cutting, carving, grinding and polishing, each tiny jade artifact must undergo more than a dozen steps. Adhering to the natural appearance of the material in each cut showcases the craftsman's ingenuity. However, his years of hard work nearly went to waste due to a serious illness. Fortunately, his son Eddy, who specialized in product design, couldn't bear to see his father's skills lost. He decided to learn his father's trade and infuse modernity into this traditional craft. Upon recovery, Master Tam also resumed his artistic creations. Together, the father-and-son team is blazing a new trail for the art of jade carving.
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