The landscape theme of Han bamboo carving art

Abstract

This paper examines the correlation between the form and surface visual narrative of Han bamboo-carved stationery and painting, with the purpose of comprehending how bamboo carving articulates the material and cultural universe of the Han people. During the mid-Ming and Qing dynasties, the Han literati possessed a large number of exquisite bamboo-carved stationeries with landscape motifs. The relationship between bamboo carving landscape motifs and landscape painting is a manifestation of the fusion of Confucian religions in the Han literati culture. We combine a discussion of the decorative motifs in bamboo carving work together with the brushstrokes, techniques and composition of landscape painting in order to explore the expression of culture in bamboo carving. Although bamboo carving art mainly represents the interaction between bamboo carving artists and the material pursuit of literati, it also exhibits the development relationship between painting and craftsmanship. The landscape motif theme of bamboo carving is the representative of craftsmanship and innovation across materials. This is also a valid reason for investigating how Han craftsmanship gradually became professionalized and artistic. The paper argues that bamboo carvings as utensils created a new stage for Han literati culture and facilitated contact with the private market.

Keywords

• bamboo carving
• landscape theme
• painting
• literati culture
• visual narrative